October Newsletter
Hawthorne Elementary
How to set limits on children's gaming and screen time.
Most child development experts recommend that children's "total screen time" — which includes watching television and videos, surfing the Internet, and playing computer or video games — be limited to one to two hours a day. If your child is playing a favorite game for, say, 45 minutes a day and watching one program on television, and he's getting his homework and chores done and getting some physical play time each day, then I wouldn't be overly concerned. On the other hand, if he's glued to the joy stick for hours on end, it's time to set limits. Here are some suggestions for keeping video-game playing time in check:
Set a time limit before the game begins. For instance, if you want your child to play for only 30 minutes, tell him that's the limit and set the kitchen timer. When the timer goes off, so does the game, no questions asked. When he balks or tries to negotiate more time, calmly restate the time limit. If he refuses to stop playing, give the game console a "time-out." Unplug the game and put it away in a designated time-out place for as long as you feel is appropriate.
Have a solution for the "But I'm in the middle of a game!" protest. Almost every game has a "save game" function, so your child can pause mid-game without losing any points, clues, weapons, etc. You may have to help your child figure out how this function works.
When "time's up," suggest a few alternative activities, such as playing a board game, reading a book with you, or doing an arts and crafts project. This should help ease him away from the game.
Require that homework or chores be completed before playing games or, for that matter, before watching television or surfing the Internet.
Don't put the computer or video-game console in your child's room where he can play unsupervised.
Student Medications
Youth Wrestlers
Hello Future Lincoln Youth Wrestlers! This is a K-6 sport that is open to boys and girls of all abilities. Practices are at Lincoln High School, and we will compete around the area.
Pre-Registration is open now:
Go to Sioux Falls Lincoln Youth Wrestling on Facebook or https://www.sflincolnwrestling.com/ for the registration link.
In Person Registration Nights are November 16 and 17 at the Lincoln High School Wrestling Room 6:30-7:30
Cost is $75.00
Practices: Mondays / Thursdays 6:00 - 7:00 for the beginner group. This will consist of 1st / 2nd year wresters, or anyone else for that matter, that are looking to learn the basics building blocks of becoming a good wrestler.
Mondays / Thursdays 6:00 – 7:30 for the advanced group.
Contact:
Coach Ernster - 605-310-9371
After-School Activities
By Dr. Jane Stavem, Superintendent
Sioux Falls is a great place to live and work. National Top 10 lists shine a spotlight on the strong economy, safety, entertainment, friendliness, and opportunities we all enjoy here. Yet, our community is not immune to the worker shortage impacting all aspects of our lives. From restaurants to banks to schools, “Help Wanted” signs are out on all street corners and marquees. Workforce needs are changing. Social pressures for students are changing. Both may be reason enough for Sioux Falls to sharpen our focus on the after-school care landscape.
Each week, during my school visits, I pull an informal group of students together for 15 to 20 minutes to talk about what’s going well for them and what could make their lives better. Many tell me they don’t have a lot of structure after the last school bell rings, especially those in upper elementary grades and in middle school. Some go home to an empty house to “game” or pass time on social media. Some hang out at parks or in other public areas, and some are looking for an activity that captures a special interest, but it isn’t available.
Many tell me they would really love a place to get homework help where they can connect with positive role models. Thankfully, many quality programs like that already exist in Sioux Falls. I’m confident all of those programs would love to serve more children, but more and more, the shortage of workers mentioned above may be preventing access.
Why should a public school district be so interested in after-school care? Youth.gov says, “School-age children and youth spend 80 percent of their waking hours outside of school, while 1 in 5 young people in the U.S. are alone after the school day ends.”
Research shows a strong return-on-investment with after-school programs. For every $1 invested, a child’s earning potential increases $3 with better performance in school, fewer run-ins with the court system, and better physical, social, and emotional health. Those statistics have short and long-term impact on our community as we look to the future.
Quality after-school care has been a priority in the Sioux Falls School District for more than 25 years. In 1995, Kids Inc. started small at Cleveland Elementary. Today, the District’s after-school program is available in all 23 elementary schools. Kids Inc. extends learning for 1,300 children each school day and keeps them safe and engaged until parents get off of work. More students could be added, but due to the requirements for the number of adults that must be present, we’re limited by current workforce shortages.
When students are engaged in an organized activity outside the regular school day, parents/guardians can contribute to the wider Sioux Falls workforce with fewer worries. While we haven’t solved access to after-school care yet, we are working with many passionate community partners who have the same goals in mind.
Working together, we can overcome any challenges we currently face because when children benefit, this community has a proven track record of being “all in.” Collaboration that recognizes opportunities for greater efficiencies, wider participation, and coordination of services helps all students find a place to belong after school. It’s good for kids - it’s good for Sioux Falls.