News from the Nest 2.0
Parent edition VOLUME 27 January 2018
Welcome to News from the Nest 2.0! This online newsletter is specifically created for parents by teachers. It will serve as a useful tool in providing educational tips and strategies, as well as developing systems that parents can use to work with their children at home on the academic skills being emphasized in the school program. We hope that this information serves as a positive medium in strengthening the relationship between home and school.
Citizenship in the Digital Age
Detecitve Richard Wistocki
On December 7, 2017, child crime expert Detective Richard Wistocki was at Fischer Middle School to educate parents and students on responsible digital activity. In today’s society, teens are becoming younger and younger when using the internet and cell phones. We need to make our children understand the dangers of certain behaviors while using the internet. Detective Wistocki's presentation is specifically geared toward students from 6th grade to 8th grade. The following are the topics that were discussed:
The children learned how a predator works.
They learned the dangers of making online friends.
They learned the dangers of file sharing and downloading things with out parental permission.
They learned how to be good cyber citizens.
They discussed how their cell phone applications can be dangerous.
Detective Wistocki role played with them and asked them what they would do in certain situations.
They learned why they need to trust their parents if they or a friend of theirs is in an uncomfortable situation.
They came to understand that nothing online in anonymous.
They learned how Cyber Bullying effects children.
They discussed the dangers of sharing in appropriate pictures and how it will effect the rest of their lives.
Detective Wistocki has dedicated his career to helping children by tirelessly pursuing, apprehending and prosecuting child predators. To learn more about Detective Wistocki and his message, please visit his website.
Common Sense Media
Here at Fischer, we are incorporating lessons from Common Sense Media to give our students the necessary tools to be responsible digital citizens.
Their mission:
Common Sense is the leading independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids thrive in a world of media and technology. We empower parents, teachers, and policymakers by providing unbiased information, trusted advice, and innovative tools to help them harness the power of media and technology as a positive force in all kids’ lives.
Media and technology are at the very center of all our lives today -- especially our children’s. Kids today spend over 50 hours of screen time every week. The media content they consume and create has a profound impact on their social, emotional, cognitive, and physical development. Learning how to use media and technology wisely is an essential skill for life and learning in the 21st century. But parents, teachers, and policymakers struggle to keep up with the rapidly changing digital world in which our children live and learn. Now more than ever, they need a trusted guide to help them navigate a world where change is the only constant.
Please visit their website to learn more about Common Sense Media and the ways that they are helping students, parents and educators "harness the power of media and technology" in a positive manner!
As the age of new technology and learning strategies continues to grow, IPSD is dedicated to educating students and staff in a true 21st Century learning environment. Furthermore, IPSD is committed to using technology as a tool to enhance student learning experiences and promote effective use of data to inform instruction, with the ultimate goal of improving academic performance. We understand that this digital transformation is necessary and will be a constant evolution moving forward in order to prepare our students for the future. We will teach the skills, knowledge, and behaviors students will need as responsible citizens in a global community. With 1:1 Device Implementation that provides laptops to district students and the continued use of BYOT in the classroom, we ask that you please review the below expectations with your student.
BYOT Expectations to discuss with your student:
- Cell phones must be off and out of sight from the warning bell to the final bell; they should NOT be visible in the hallway, locker room, or cafeteria
- Do NOT use cell phones for talking or texting during the day
- Parents/guardians must be contacted using the phone in the main office—they should NOT be called or texted from a cell phone
- Obtain permission before making a phone call
- Cell phone pictures/videos must be related to classroom activities and permission must be obtained before taking someone’s picture
- Cell phones are NOT to be used in the washroom
- Cell phones may be used in the hallway and outside the classroom only when permission is given by the teacher
- Headphones / ear buds should NOT be visible in the hallway, locker room, or cafeteria from the warning bell to the final bell
- All BYOT users must be connected to the IPSD_BYOT network (WiFi)
- Students are expected to follow all rules and regulations related to the use of electronic devices without exception
- Violators will be subject to disciplinary action, which may include confiscating the device
- Fischer is NOT responsible for lost/stolen phones and/or devices
Parents can help us promote responsible use of technology among students by…
supporting our school policies. In order to reduce the temptation for students to violate these policies, we ask that parents and guardians refrain from calling or texting their children on their cell phones during school hours. Furthermore, if your child texts you during the school day, we ask that you remind him or her of the school policy. If you need to relay a message to your child during school hours, please call the school at 630-375-3100. Thank You!