Maple Messenger
February 2023 Edition
Principal's Corner
We all know that over the past several years the amount of screen time our young learners are exposed to has increased two fold. Although learning through technology can be beneficial at home and at school, there are also great risks and downfalls that come with increased screen time. Some of those include: sleep impacts, diminished attention spans, delays in speech development, delays in social and emotional development, and the list goes on. Please take a minute to read the technology recommendations from the Mayo Clinic.
Excerpt from the Mayo Clinic:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations for an acceptable amount of screen time are:
- No screen time for children under 2
- One hour per day for children 2 to 12
- Two hours per day for teens and adults
Limiting screen time also helps parents keep a closer eye on what their children are experiencing on social media and the internet.
While more research is needed to fully understand the effects screen time levels have on kids, parents are not off the hook. Screen time affects adults the same as children. Too much screen time puts everyone at risk of obesity, and it's linked with sleep disturbances and can affect relationships.
For kids, especially teens, there are studies concerning the negative effects of screen time and its relationship to anxiety, depression and attention span.
These 6 tips can help you trim your children's screen time when not in school:
1. Be accountable.
Set expectations with your kids, and set goals to be intentional about reducing screen time.
2. Be realistic.
If your kids are spending a lot of leisure time on screens, including watching TV, start by setting smaller, more attainable goals. Instead of jumping right to the recommended one to two hours or less per day, start by cutting their current screen time in half.
3. Be engaged.
After school or work, spend time each day talking face to face with kids and give them your full attention.
4. Put hand-held devices away.
During screen-free hours, put devices away or at a charging station in a common area so they're not attracting your kids' attention.
5. Create phone-free zones in the home.
Making family meal areas a phone-free zone is an easy way to start.
6. Go outside.
Putting down the phone and taking a walk or playing outdoors increases your endorphins and provides that feeling of happiness in your brain, boosting your mood and improving your physical health.
Maple Data
What is Happening Around Maple?
VASE Night of Excellence Award Winners
Parent Teacher Organization Update
- With the generous donations through our fundraiser, the PTO is working on securing plans to erect an outdoor classroom on our playground. The structure will be complete with a gazebo type structure and metal picnic tables.
- May 26th, the PTO will be hosting our annual end of the year Field Day complete with games, snacks and fun!
- In cooperation with the middle school student council, the PTO will cohost a family dance night for the 23/24 year! We are excited to partner with our middle school student council for this inaugural event!
Upcoming Notable Dates
- Friday, February 17th, 2:05 Dismissal
- Monday, February 20th, NO SCHOOL - President's Day
- Friday, March 3rd, 12:05 Dismissal
- Monday, March 6th, Land of Smiles Presentation - Students will learn to take care of their teeth
- Friday, March 10th, 2:05 Dismissal
- Monday, March 13th, 3:15 Maple PTO Meeting - Come and join us!
- Monday, March 20th through Thursday, March 23rd - Maple Book Fair
- Wednesday, March 22nd, Parent Teacher Conferences - 2:05 Dismissal
- Thursday, March 23rd, Parent Teacher Conferences - 2:05 Dismissal
- Friday, March 24th, NO SCHOOL
- Thursday, April 6th, 2:05 Dismissal
- Friday, April 7th through Wednesday, April 12th, SPRING BREAK - NO SCHOOL
- Friday, April 28th, Maple Grandparents Day Program 11-12
February Read Aloud
Parent Corner
Maple Grade School
Email: rootsk@hoopeston.k12.il.us
Website: www.hoopeston.k12.il.us
Location: 500 South 4th Street, Hoopeston, IL, USA
Phone: (217) 283-6665