JTMS Counseling Newsletter
February 8, 2021
Social Media is Great – If You Keep it Great
It’s almost a year since the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we interact with each other on a daily basis. As students, you may be totally virtual - working from home every day - or you may be in that hybrid group – sometimes in school, sometimes at home. This has been quite challenging. The greatest challenge for all of us has been social distancing, something that we, as human beings, find very difficult. Technology has become our best friend, with Google meets and Zoom meetings almost every day. We have all become experts at communicating via text, Snapchat or Instagram, just to name a few. Everyone wants and needs to stay connected, so the quality of our social media interactions will make all the difference in the world. How do you communicate when on social media? Unfortunately, it seems to be easier to say unkind things when we are not looking at the other person to see their reaction to our words. And talking about another person on social media may no longer be a conversation only between you and your friend, but now everyone can join in. Are your words kind or hurtful? Is someone going to be devastated by your words or is their day going to be a bit brighter because of something nice that you said? Growing up, one of those clichés that I always heard was “If you don’t have something nice to say, don’t say anything!” Good advice. Kindness in our words - and in our actions - is invaluable.
REMINDERS!
With the third marking period in full swing, here are a few important reminders:
- any day that you are home, you MUST submit the attendance google form on your homeroom google classroom between 7:25- 7:30am (if you are late submitting it, have a parent/guardian call the middle school attendance line, otherwise you will be marked absent for the day!)
- if you are struggling in any classes, be sure to attend office hours at least once per week, email your teachers, and challenge yourself to participate more in class and ask questions- if you haven't been doing these things yet, you will see how they can help dramatically!
- if you need to chat, vent, have a question, etc., reach out to your school counselor... we'd be happy to set up a google meet with you!
Essentials With Miss Ellingsen
Internet Safety
It seems like so much of our lives revolve around the internet. School work, gaming, news, social media, shopping, etc. It can be such a helpful tool but it is something that needs to be handled with care. Always remember to stop and think before sharing anything on the internet - is it private, kind, or helpful? And make sure to keep an open line of communication with a trusted adult in your life about what’s going on. This video is a helpful resource on how to be safe online.
Being Safe on the Internet
JTMS Counseling Department
Your counselors are here for you! Parents, students, teachers: please get in touch with us any time you have a question or concern. We care about you!
Miss Ellingsen, Mrs. Lewandowski, Mrs. LaCatena, and Ms. Martino
Email: orusynko@jefftwp.org
Website: https://www.jefftwp.org/domain/182
Location: 1000 Weldon Road, Oak Ridge, NJ, USA
Phone: 973-697-1980
Twitter: @JTMSCounseling