Otsego Middle School
January 17, 2022
Upcoming Dates
Jan. 17 - Swim Club Meet at Plainwell
Jan. 19 - Coffee with the Superintendent - 10 a.m - Mezzo
Girls Basketball at Plainwell - 4 p.m.
Swim Club Meet - Home
Jan. 20 - Wrestling - Away - 5 p.m.
Jan. 21 - Wyldlife - 2:50-4:30 p.m.
Jan. 25 & 27 - Dawgs Got Talent auditions - 4th hour - see info below
Jan. 28 - OK2Say presentation - 10:30 a.m.
Feb. 3 - Band Concert - 7 p.m.
Feb. 10 - Virtual Parent-Teacher Conferences - 5-8 p.m. Sign ups are below.
Feb. 11 - Dawgs Got Talent - 1:00-2:30 p.m.
Feb. 14-18 - Winter Intersession
Student Support Services
Social Media + Middle School = Challenges
Should Middle School students have access to social media? Hmmm…that is a challenging question! From a brain development perspective, middle schoolers are still learning impulse control and how to relate with others. When you put those two factors together, it can be a learning experience or disaster!
Here are some of the benefits of social media:
Feeling connected to others
Entertainment
Information about current events
Distraction.
Ironically, some of these same benefits can be some of the disadvantages depending on the situation.
Feeling connected (they can be bullied or exposed to behavior that is not positive)
Entertainment (they can see things you would rather they not see)
Information about current events (some events you would rather them not see)
Distraction (social media can keep kids from sleeping, spending time with friends/family, doing homework or other tasks)
According to a report issued by the Mayo Clinic, the risks associated with social media also include anxiety, depression, sleep issues, inactivity, and health concerns. This report states that these risks increase as the time students spend on social media increases. In addition, when they are exposed to social media without the support/supervision of an adult, they are at greater risk.
There are steps you can take to encourage responsible use of social media and limit some of its negative effects. Consider these tips:
Set reasonable limits. Talk to your teen about how to avoid letting social media interfere with his or her activities, sleep, meals or homework. Encourage a bedtime routine that avoids electronic media use, and keep cellphones and tablets out of teens' bedrooms. Set an example by following these rules yourself.
Monitor your teen's accounts. Let your teen know that you'll be regularly checking his or her social media accounts. You might aim to do so once a week or more. Make sure you follow through.
Explain what's not OK. Discourage your teen from gossiping, spreading rumors, bullying or damaging someone's reputation — online or otherwise. Talk to your teen about what is appropriate and safe to share on social media.
Encourage face-to-face contact with friends. This is particularly important for teens vulnerable to social anxiety disorder.
Talk about social media. Talk about your own social media habits. Ask your teen how he or she is using social media and how it makes him or her feel. Remind your teen that social media is full of unrealistic images.
As always, if you need any assistance with your child’s social or emotional health, please reach out! Mrs. Starr’s direct line number is 269-694-7510 and email is astarr@otsegops.org.
Congratulations to our January Students of the Month!
7th graders - Jack Marks with Mrs. Sutherland & Raegan Morley with Mrs. Zartman & Miss Sokolowski
8th graders - Weston Mulherin (not pictured) & Lily Baird with Mrs. Secord
Dawgs Got Talent is Back!
Winter Parent-Teacher Conferences
to sign up for time to speak to a teacher. Please keep in mind are teachers are always available to connect with you. Please do not feel as though you have to wait until parent-teacher conferences to ask a question or discuss a concern. We look forward to "seeing" you soon via Zoom.
Thursday, Feb 10, 2022, 05:00 PM
Virtual
Thank You to our PE Teachers, Mrs. Secord & Mr. Knash, for the AWESOME field trip to Bittersweet!
Winter Intersession to Assist Students Failing Core Classes
Winter intersession week is a week designed to help students who are failing core subjects - Math, English Language Arts (ELA), Social Studies and Science. We provide intervention classes, teacher-led assistance, to get students back on track in those classes.
This year:
Intersession classes will be held Monday-Thursday, February 14-17, from 8:30am-11:30am
Otsego will provide breakfast and lunch
OMS classes will be held at the high school
Students who are failing a core class as of Monday, January 31st, will be expected to attend intervention during fall intersession week. If your child is on this list, you’ll be notified by February 4th.
Congratulations Bree Ryder Our Link of the Week!
Is Your Infinite Campus Information Up to Date?
CKH Word of the Month - Respect
Otsego Middle School
Email: mkoenig@otsegops.org
Website: www.otsegops.org
Location: 540 Washington Street, Otsego, MI, United States
Phone: 269-694-7500
Twitter: @mkoenig72