Straight From The Lions Mouth
January 9, 2021
Week 1 back from the holidays - Check!
Good morning Cashman Families,
Hope everyone had a productive week, and remote learning went smoothly. Fortunately or unfortunately it is evident that students are becoming accustomed to interacting with teachers and other students remotely. This generation was already ingrained in technology, and now, more than ever, they are becoming the experts.
In the spirit of this expertize, it is important that I take this opportunity to speak to you about reminding our students the responsibility of appropriate use of their school accounts. It is natural that they will seek to interact with their friends through their school accounts either during or outside of school hours. Students have quickly learned how to create hangouts, meets, emails, messaging, and these tools are at the the tip of their fingers. When these interactions are not supervised by an adult, it easily becomes a misuse of technology and school gmail accounts . Students' social interaction supervision by an adult is crucial.
This week when meeting with my staff, I have asked teachers to remind their classes that the technology and school accounts are to be used for school purpose only, regardless if it is during or outside of school hours. Students' school accounts are bind to an user agreement that we all must follow. I would respectfully ask that you have a conversation with your child, reminding them the importance of this agreement, while brainstorming other ways that they could appropriately "hangout" with friends.
This is our reality now. Children know how to navigate the technology and social media without the maturity needed for consistent appropriate use. It will take our partnership to teach, guide, and instruct to raise savvy and responsible students. As early as preschool and kindergarten age, children will forever have these tools as part of their education and lives.
As the Cashman principal it is important to me that we partner in this manner. I want us to teach responsible digital citizenship to all of our kids. What a tall order! I am confident that with our collaboration and mutual respect, we will succeed. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at school.
Happy 2021 to all. May we have patience, presence, health, and the partnership needed to have a great year.
Sincerely,
Principal Mascia
School Council
Thank you so much for everyone's participation is selecting your representative for the Cashman School Council.
Congratulations to Erin Holmes and Maggie Dylewski Bemis. I look forward to working with you in creating a better school for all of our students, families, and staff.
Thank you Tiffany Purington and Leah Sullo for your interest and time. Please know these meetings are open to the public and we would love your participation as a community member.
I will be in touch with the council to schedule our January meeting, and will be sure it is posted and public for your participation.
Most sincerely,
Principal Mascia
Charles C. Cashman Elementary School
Email: karina.mascia@amesburyma.org
Website: https://schools.amesburyma.gov/Domain/454
Location: 193 Lions Mouth Road, Amesbury, MA, USA
Phone: (978) 388-4407