HMS UPDATE
May Newsletter
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
To the HMS Community,
Recently, Sparta Middle School sent to parents a letter regarding the Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, a show that is rated TV-MA, but has become popular with adolescents across the nation. While there are many shows on Netflix with this rating that can be popular with children, this particular show has garnered attention due to its depiction of teen suicide as well as other mature themes (see Mrs. Labar's input on the series and the topic of suicide below).
Considering the plethora of tablets, ipods, and smartphones that are readily available to children- at increasingly younger ages- it can be quite the challenge for parents to keep up with the latest apps, websites, shows and movies.
How to keep up? It probably starts with understanding that you can't keep up. However, having discussions with your child about expectations and responsibilities and staying informed as much as possible will certainly help. I believe that the Common Sense Media website can be that one-stop shop for parents in terms of providing suggestions, tips, and reviews of apps, shows, websites and movies. Some examples of the resources on this site include:
Cell Phone Parenting Tips (organized by age)
Articles with great ideas like #DeviceFreeDinners
Movie and Book Suggestions (organized by age)
It is a great site that is easy to navigate. Considering the digital influences that are changing the traditional childhood experience, parents, who are not considered digital natives, can struggle (understandably) to guide our children on the right path, and protect them from the negative aspects of a digital life.
As a high school teacher many years ago, I recall saying, "Wow, I can't believe that a freshman has a cell phone." Today, we are saying this about elementary students- who may not just have cell phones, but devices that can access anything on the internet. Times have changed, and sites like Common Sense Media can help us navigate the ever-shifting path of technology.
Proudly,
Doug Layman
Principal
UPCOMING EVENTS (also posted on website calendar):
May12- PTO Meeting @ 9:30am
15- Chorus Concert @ 7:00pm
18- Rita's Night, 4-7pm
22- Strings Concert @ 7:00pm
26- Memorial Day Assembly
29- Schools Closed
31- NJASK Science 4th Grade
From Mrs. Labar
There is a new series out on Netflix that I'm sure you've heard about. The show is called "13 Reasons Why", and it's based on Jay Asher's 2007 fictional novel.
It tells the story of a teen who commits suicide. The act itself, along with sexual assault, drug use and bullying are graphic. It is recommended for viewers to be 17 years old and older.
This storyline can raise concerns as to the emotional safety of adolescents who may be watching, especially children who have had mental health issues or suicidal thoughts.
I personally have not heard anyone talking about it here at HMS, but wanted to make myself available for any assistance or support.
I'm including talking points for parents and educators:
~ The Jed Foundation: 13 Reasons Why
~National Association of School Psychologists: Recommendations Re: 13 Reasons Why
Additional mental health resources:
~National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-272-TALK
~NJ Hopeline - 1-855-NJ-HOPELINE
~2nd Floor Youth Helpline - 1-888-222-2228
Un evento meraviglioso
A Wonderful Event!
Check out some photos from the event below.
5th graders heading to space
4th Graders going to camp
June 5th: HRs Gorecki, Smulewicz, Martinka, O'Neill, Zoeller, Delcoro
June 6th: HRs Hyland, Moberg, Jennings, Pitzer
Permission slips coming soon.
IN THE NEWS
HMS PHOTO ALBUM
1st place winners!!!
Cycling: HMS Explorations
HMS GETS ITS FIRST 3-D PRINTER (Thanks, PTO!)
autism awareness day @ HMS
Meet "Stinky"
PASTIA MIA (4th Grade Spaghetti Dinner)
New Novel by Sparta Schools' employee, Robert O'Grady
HOW TO STAY UPDATED...
SPARTA COMMUNITY FLYERS
PREVIOUS HMS UPDATES
PREVIOUS GENESIS E-Mails
HMS REMIND TEXT MESSAGES
HMS CALENDAR
Helen Morgan School
Email: doug.layman@sparta.org
Website: hms.sparta.org
Location: Sparta, NJ
Phone: 973.729.5770