Pacific Grove Middle School
March Newsletter 2020
Parent’s Guide to Protecting Teens on Social Media
By Principal Sean Roach
As you may know, PGMS hosted an evening discussion highlighting some important information regarding teens and social media. The topic rose to the top of the parent engagement survey PGMS sent out earlier in the year, and along with parent/teen communication, were far and away the most requested topics. As a parent of two active teenage social media users, I find that I have to keep current if I want to actively monitor where they’re going and what information is being shared! I came across this informative article which focuses on methods to establish and maintain an ongoing dialogue with your social media user(s), enjoy!
Open communication.
Parents who openly communicate with their children are more likely to receive the same approach in response. It is critical that your teenager feel safe in talking to you, because fear of punishment can result in isolated or rebellious behavior. During the difficult teenage years, your child will want to test boundaries. They will want to do and say things that you would not approve of. This is basic human nature. It’s important that you understand and respect this, while letting them know they can talk to you about anything. At the same time, you should lead by example and initiate those difficult discussions with your teen. Even if you only get one-word responses, they are still listening… and it establishes a comfortable environment for open communication in your home. It is also important to have a discussion about cell phone safety, where kids can access social media site with ease and outside the watchful eye of parents. This raises issues of cell phone safety.
Practical privacy.
Keep computers in a “public” location, rather than in their bedroom. At your discretion, it may be a good idea to routinely check computer and phone history and require that you know the passwords to all of your teen’s accounts… but keep in mind that infringing on their right to privacy may only push them further away. In a nutshell, trust your child enough to give them leash and don’t violate their privacy without justifiable cause. However, maintain the ability to check up on your teen if they begin to show suspicious behavior.
Establish boundaries.
Boundaries, rules, and guidelines can be applied to behaviors that are allowed on social media… as well as the amount of time allowed to spend on social media. Teenagers with smartphones tend to be more interested in the cyber world and oblivious to the real world around them, but as a parent you can set the rules to prevent this from happening.
Stay informed of the threats.
Internet safety is about so much more than online predators or identity theft. In fact, teenagers are not the only vulnerable internet users. Even parents can make mistakes on social media!!! Did you know that you should never brag about an upcoming vacation, and when you take a vacation you should wait until you return home to post pictures?
It helps to know the tricks and trends, because the more likely online threats are much more common—such as falling victim to a spambot. Here is a guide you can give your teenager about social media safety for teens.
Assistant Principal's Message
Jason Tovani
A student's eligibility may be removed by the site administrator(s) as part of any disciplinary action. Students may lose eligibility to atted these activities if suspended or by earning two or more disciplinary referrals during the 4th quarter. Administrator's discretion will be used for recurring and/or serious behavioral or disciplinary problems and may result in a student's loss of the privilege of attending these events. Below are specific eligibility requirements for each event:
6th Grade Swim Party, May 15:
• No U on the third quarter grade report.
• No suspensions during 4th quarter.
• No more than two referrals during Q4.
• Present at school on the day of the event.
7th Graders: Attending the Promotion Dance on May 28:
• No U on the third quarter report.
• No suspensions during 4th quarter.
• No more than two referrals during Q4.
• Present at school on the day of the event.
8th Graders: Great America Trip Friday, May 22:
• Students must be on track to promote academically to attend.
• Community Service Hours must be completed.
• No suspensions during 4th quarter.
• No more than two referrals during 4th quarter.
8th Grade Promotion Ceremony, May 28:
• Students must be on track to promote academically to attend.
• Community Service Hours must be completed.
8th Grade Promotion Dance, May 28:
• Students must be on track to promote academically to attend.
• Community Service Hours must by completed.
• No suspensions during 4th quarter.
• No more than two referrals during 4th quarter.
8th grade Picnic, May 29:
• No suspensions during 4th quarter.
• No more than two referrals during 4th quarter.
If you would like more information about Eligibility and Promotion and Retention, please check out the Parent Student Handbook. If you have any concerns about your child's academics or behavior, please contact Mr. Tovani. We want every child to succeed at PGMS. Every child should get to celebrate their accomplishments by being eligible for these end of the year activities.
Parent-Teacher Conferences March 5 &12
PLEASE BRING YOUR STUDENT TO THE MEETING! It is important for them to be a part of the conversation toward improvement. Reminder, the students are released at 2:00 p.m. on Thursdays.
Please do not be late for your conference as the teachers are trying to see as many students as possible during the time alloted. If your plans change and your cannot make a meeting, please call the school office at 646-6568.
Spring Sportsmanship Meeting
Sports Pictures
Conduct Club
Spring Dance
PGMS Open House
8th Grade Field Trip to Great America
Shopping early?
• Dresses should have sleeves or straps. Long dresses should not be longer than ankle length to facilitate walking easily and not tripping. Short dresses should not be shorter than three inches above the knee.
• Nice pants and a dress shirt with a collar.
• Athletic-style shoes are discouraged.
• Hats and sunglasses are not permitted.
• Optional sweater, tie, and/or jacket would be appropriate, but not a tuxedo.
Promotion Requirements
If your student is struggling, please contact the school counselor, Janie Lawrence, at jlawrence@pgusd.org or 831-646-6568 ext. 304, and your child's teachers to help brainstorm solutions.
Promotion Tickets
PGMS PTSA News:
Important Upcoming General & Voting Meeting in March
It's hard to believe that we are facing the end of the school year, when I feel like we just started. As February flies by, I wanted to reach out to our membership and be sure you knew that we have a General PTSA Meeting coming up in March (we only do this quarterly, so we hope you can make it!). It will be held in the PGMS Library from 6:30-7:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 18. The first half hour of the meeting will be dedicated to updates from our Principal about all the activities and events at the school, and we will be working on voting in the new PTSA for next year (already!).
We have many Board members with 8th grade students that are leaving the school this year, so we have a lot of gaps to fill. Please consider one of the open positions (and encourage others to do so as well).
OPEN POSITIONS
· President
· Secretary
· Fundraising Liaison
· Parliamentarian
· Historian
To be considered or ask questions about any of the above positions, email: pgmiddleschoolptsa@gmail.com
And as always, you can check out our website for all the PTSA "happenings" at https://www.pgmiddleschoolptsa.com/
Hope to see you all at the March 18 meeting!
Sincerely,
Amy Fallavena
PTSA President