During our December Assembly, we talked to students about understanding bullying and bullying prevention. Unfortunately, we are learning that some of our students are engaging in large group chats on social media platforms such as Snapchat and sending very hurtful and unkind messages to one another. We are asking parents to help us establish a culture of kindness by speaking to your student about technology and bullying. Included below is a document created by https://www.pacer.org/bullying/ about how to speak to your child about cyberbullying.

Bullying hits its peak in middle school because of the developmental stages students are going through at this time. The three stages of this age group are:

• Establishing a personal identity
• Developing independence
• Expanding personal relationships
  
  

Because students are trying to figure out who they are and how they fit in, they are more influenced by their peers during this time. They don't want to stick out and be different. They are more likely to "go along" even if someone is doing something they don't believe in.

Students now live in a time of instant access to cell phones, tablets, or computers, which open the door to exciting new ways of connecting, interacting, and learning. However, these new modes of communication also present new challenges for parents. Not only do parents have to help children and youth navigate in-person social situations, but they also need to prepare them for healthy relationships online. Cyberbullying can happen anywhere there is online social interaction and students can use their access to a large online audience to encourage their peers to join them in targeting someone with unkind words, threats, gossip, rumors, untrue stories, and sharing private information, or posting embarrassing pictures. Parents have the opportunity to guide their children through this new virtual world.

Whittier History Day is approaching: Wednesday, February 15th. This will be Whittier's eleventh year participating in the National History Day program. The theme this year is Frontiers: People, Places, Ideas, and our students have chosen a variety of topics to research.

This is an important year for us as we return to in-person interviews. We are so excited to bring this format back and welcome our judges into the building to talk directly with our young historians. We'd love to have you join us that day as a judge; please contact Sean Galipeau-Eldridge, if you are interested. sgalipeau@rsu16.org

Sign up for Indoor Track through the Family ID website. The Indoor Track season will follow basketball season and end prior to the spring season, so there is opportunity for everyone. Poland Regional High School Coach Josh Kennison will be coaching our middle school students. It's a great chance to try something new.

Monday 1/30

Girls Hm vs Tripp MS
Boys @ Tripp MS

Additional schedule TBD

Game Schedule