"The Stinger" october 20, 2023

STMS important Information

PLC Information: How are we shifting at STMS from our "old ways"?

A Shift in Focus:

1. From a focus on inputs to a focus on results.
2. From goals related to completion of a project and activities to SMART goals demanding evidence of student learning.
3. From teachers gathering data from their individually constructed tests in order to assign grades to collaborative teams acquiring information from common assessments to (1) inform their individual and collective practice and (2) respond to students who need additional time and support.

Outstanding StAR Students

There are students out there who continue to do the right thing, don't always get recognized for their efforts, or just might need a little pick me up. We invite you to write up a nomination. Please revolve your answer around Safety, Trustworthy, Accountable, Respectful. Student names will be read on announcements OR they will get a special visit in one of their classrooms. When completing, you can remain anonymous if you so choose.

Stinger Shining Staff

This is an opportunity (and part of our PBIS system) for you to share your words of appreciation to any staff member on our campus- and it is FREE. The form below will take less than a minute to complete. We appreciate you in advance for letting our staff know the great joy and success that they bring to our campus, students, and community!

Academics

Office Hours are by appointment only. Every teacher will have a google form that students will complete prior to attending their office hours. This ensures safety and also allows for our teachers to appropriately prepare for the many needs that our students have when they come to get additional support in office hours.

Clubs

NJHS

The STMS National Junior Honor Society will be starting their annual food drive next week. It runs from Monday, October 23 through Friday, November 3. Students should donate non-perishables or canned food to their 4th period class. The class that collects the most items for Foothills Food Bank wins an ice cream party!! Courtesy of NJHS.

Thank you for your donations and continued support!

social work

Empowering Parents: How to Monitor Your Child's Phone Habits Effectively

In today's digital age, children are growing up in a world saturated with smartphones and internet access. While this technology brings numerous benefits, it also presents challenges for parents concerned about their child's online safety and screen time. Monitoring your child's phone habits is essential to ensure their well-being, but it must be done in a balanced and respectful manner. This article aims to guide parents on how to monitor their child's phone habits effectively.

Open Communication

• The foundation of successful phone monitoring is a strong, open line of communication with your child. Make sure your child understands the reasons behind your monitoring and the potential dangers of the internet. Encourage them to come to you with any concerns or experiences they find troubling online. This approach fosters trust and cooperation.

Choose the Right Tools

• There are various tools and apps available that can help you monitor your child's phone habits, including parental control apps. Research and select the one that best fits your needs and preferences. Some popular options include Norton Family, Qustodio, Bark, and Family Link by Google. These apps offer features such as content filtering, screen time management, and location tracking.

Set Clear Rules and Boundaries

• Establish a set of clear rules and boundaries regarding phone usage. These rules should cover when and where the phone can be used, time limits, and the type of content that is off-limits. Be consistent in enforcing these rules, and make sure your child understands the consequences of breaking them.

Educate Yourself

• To effectively monitor your child's phone habits, it's crucial to understand the digital landscape they're navigating. Familiarize yourself with popular apps and social media platforms, so you can better comprehend the potential risks and challenges your child may encounter online.

Monitor Social Media Activity

• Social media can be a significant source of both positive and negative experiences for children. Stay informed about your child's social media accounts and connections. Many parental control apps offer social media monitoring features to help you keep track of your child's interactions.

Respect Privacy

• While it's important to monitor your child's phone habits, respect their privacy as well. Avoid invasive practices such as reading their private messages or tracking their location without their knowledge. Discuss with your child the extent of your monitoring so they understand the boundaries you've set.

Encourage Balance

• Help your child strike a balance between online and offline activities. Encourage them to participate in hobbies, sports, and face-to-face interactions. Setting time limits for screen use and designating phone-free zones, such as during family meals and before bedtime, can promote healthy habits.

Be a Role Model

• Children often mimic the behaviors they see in their parents. Set a positive example by demonstrating responsible phone usage. Show them how to use technology as a tool for learning and communication rather than just entertainment.

Stay Informed About Emerging Trends

• The digital landscape is ever-evolving. Stay informed about emerging trends and technologies, as well as

the latest online risks. This knowledge will enable you to adapt your monitoring strategies to keep up with the changing digital landscape.

Regularly Review and Adjust

• Regularly review your monitoring strategies and adjust them as your child grows and matures. As your child demonstrates responsibility and good online behavior, you can gradually grant them more autonomy. Monitoring your child's phone habits is a challenging but crucial aspect of modern parenting. It's essential to strike a balance between protecting your child and respecting their privacy and independence. Open communication, the right tools, clear rules, and ongoing education are key to effective phone monitoring. Remember that your ultimate goal is to help your child navigate the digital world safely and responsibly, ensuring that technology remains a valuable tool in their lives rather than a source of harm.

Counseling Corner

As the quarter came to an end, the Counseling team met with students who were in Jeopardy of missing out on 8th grade celebration activities. The number one reason students fall behind is absences. Please talk about the importance of checking google classroom, communicating with teachers, and staying on top of assignments when your student is absent.

Does your child have McLyn or Grochowski for social studies? Ask them how Second Step is going and what they are learning. Mrs. Love had some incredible conversations with our students last week and was amazed at how they stepped up to help their classmates!

Does your child have test anxiety? Did you know that over 35% of students have test anxiety no matter how much they prepare! These tips can help your student alleviate some of that stress:

1. Study a little bit over time so the answers become second nature
2. Practice taking tests with resources like kahoot and then practice taking a test like you would in class.
3. Do some deep breathing before the test. When you panic, you stop breathing properly, and lack of oxygen affects your brain. Learn to do deep-breathing exercises, and use them before and even during a test.
4. Communicate with teachers and parents. Don’t keep your test anxiety inside! Let your parents, teachers, and other supporting adults know that tests really amp up your anxiety. They may have some helpful tips and tricks for you!
5. Keep things in perspective. We promise, failing one test will not destroy your life. If test anxiety is disrupting your life (affecting your mood, causing you to lose sleep, giving you physical symptoms like stomach problems or headaches), you might need to talk to someone like a professional counselor or therapist.

Some Things to Remember:

Is your child interested in taking Executive Functioning Skills next semester? Please email Mrs. Love with their name and she will have a conversation with them to see if they would like to be part of group.

8th Grade IB Program Information Session:

Athletics

Coach Don Larson (Athletic Director): 480.272.8620