Cardinal Family Newsletter
It's A Great Day to Be a Cardinal!
April 5-9
Dear Cardinal Families,
I hope your family had a wonderful Easter. The weather was perfect! We have a few more weeks before testing starts in the middle school. The updated testing calendar can be found below.
Also, please look over your child's grade level newsletter for important information and the eleven social media red flags that parents should know about.
Have a great week and feel free to reach out with any questions.
Mrs. Hiler
Team Newsletters
Fifth Grade
Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade
Parent Tips
Social Media Stress on Teens
11 Social Media Red Flags Parents Should Know About
Parenting, Media, and Everything In Between
11 Social Media Red Flags Parents Should Know About
Find out which social media features are cause for concern -- no matter which app your kid is using. By Christine Elgersma
Topics: Cyberbullying, Mental Health, Social Media
It can be hard to keep up with the latest apps that kids are using. Just when you've figured out how to talk to your kids about Instagram, they're begging to download Snapchat and TikTok. But here's the deal: Even when new apps come along, adding new features such as the ability to disappear or track your location, they're often not that different from other apps. And if you know what to look for, you can help your kid avoid some common social media pitfalls such as drama, cyberbullying, and oversharing.
Does a red flag mean your kid shouldn't use a particular app? Not at all. Most kids use social media apps safely -- and kids don't always use every feature of every app. Also, you can often disable certain features so they're no longer a problem. Finally, talking about using social media safely, responsibly, and respectfully is the best way to help your kid identify and avoid red flags. Here are the most common social media red flags, the apps they're found in, and tips for dealing with them.
Ads and in-app purchases. Some examples: Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok
Free apps have to make money somehow, so app developers offer marketers lots of opportunities to reach kids on their platforms, including product testimonials, embedded ad links, sponsored content, and chances to buy things.
- What to do: Social media advertising can be deceptive because it's designed to look like the app's regular content. And although incremental in-app purchases for things like exclusive photo filters are inexpensive, they can really add up. To understand how apps make money, you have to spend some time on each one. Familiarize yourself with the types of ads coming at your kids, teach them to recognize different types of digital marketing, and talk about what to do if they're approached online by someone trying to sell something. As for in-app purchases, you can set spending limits or turn off the ability to make in-app purchases on your kid's phone.
Age-inappropriate content. Some examples: Instagram, Hive Social, Snapchat, TikTok, Tumblr
Friends can share explicit stuff via messaging (for example, sexting), but the bigger concern is whether an app features a lot of user-generated content that isn't appropriate to your kid's age. Your teen may not even need to follow users who are posting explicit stuff to come across it.
- What to do: Ask your kid whom she follows, and ask to see what's being posted. Use the app yourself and get a sense of what comes up in an average feed (or features like Snapchat Discover). Then try searching for content you're concerned about and see how easy it is to find. Check the terms of use to see what the app allows and whether users can flag violators. If your kid uses TikTok, you can enable content restrictions that limit mature videos, but most social media platforms don't offer that feature.
Anonymity. Some examples: Lipsi, LMK: Anonymous Polls, Tellonym, Yolo
Anonymity doesn't always breed cruelty, but it often does. On anonymous sites, people feel that their comments are consequence-free -- and end up hurting others. Also, though kids may feel safe enough to share sensitive or painful things they might not otherwise, they often don't get the necessary support or help -- and may get attacked.
- What to do: Make sure your teen understands the risks involved and that they know how to block and report other users if necessary. Also, if they need connection but it's hard to talk about a problem (especially with you), give them opportunities to share with other safe, trusted people.
Cyberbullying. Some examples: Instagram, Snapchat, Roblox, Twitter
Though many apps have improved their monitoring and reporting features, cyberbullying is still a reality. It can happen on any social media app, but some have a notorious mean streak. If an app allows anonymous posting and is used in schools, chances are some teens will abuse it.
- What to do: Ask around and pay attention to what parents, teachers, and other kids say about it to get a sense if it's stirring up trouble. Make sure your teen understands how to report and block other users, and check the school's policy about cyberbullying.
Location tracking and sharing. Some examples: Find My Friends, Instagram, Snapchat, Twenty (formerly Mappen), Twitter
Wherever you go, there you are -- and your social media apps know it. Though you may only indicate a city or neighborhood in a profile, allowing location identification often means that you're tracked within a city block, your posts can include your location, and anyone -- including strangers -- can see exactly where you are.
- What to do: This is a tricky one because many parents like to keep track of their kids using an app like Life360. But you can keep location services on only for the app you use to find out your kid's whereabouts. Otherwise, turn off location settings in your kid's social media, then check to see whether previous posts include location information and delete it. If your kid uses Snapchat, they can go into "Ghost Mode," so people can't see their location.
Public default settings. Some examples: Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter
Many apps allow a user to have a public or private profile, only shared with friends; however, some apps are public by default, which means that a kid's name, picture, and posts are available to everyone.
- What to do: As soon as you download the app, go into the settings to check the defaults. If a kid is using the same program on a browser, check there, too.
Random video chat. Some examples: HOLLA, Monkey, Wink
Any app that's inviting kids to "meet new friends" is facilitating chats with strangers in some way. In most cases this type of app likely has a lot of sexual content and adults trying to hook up.
- What to do: Random chatting apps are unsafe. If your teen is truly trying to meet new friends, it might be best to start on an app that's interest-based with text-based group forums so they can find their people.
Real-time video streaming. Some examples: YouNow, Instagram, Twitch
Live streaming is just that -- live -- so it's very easy to share something you didn't mean to. Kids may use these apps in private (such as in their bedrooms) and inadvertently share personal information without knowing exactly who is watching. Though they may seem temporary, embarrassing or mean moments are easily captured and shared later.
- What to do: Talk to your kids about why they want to share video of themselves and what they should and shouldn't share. Talk about positive, constructive uses of video sharing, such as creating shorts using editing programs or creating an interest-based channel to funnel your teen's creativity.
Secret chat rooms. Some examples: Discord, IMVU
Chat rooms can be invitation-only or drop-in. Both carry some risks because chat rooms allow for no-holds-barred conversations. Sometimes the chats are private for reasons like sexual content or hate speech. But sometimes kids create private groups to avoid the problems associated with public groups. Either way, chat rooms make it more difficult for parents to keep track of what their kids are doing online.
- What to do: If your kid is creating or using a private chat room with friends to safeguard against strangers, that's OK, but they should tell you before they join a private chat so you can check it out first. In general, kids should be very cautious about joining chat rooms and be on the alert for predatory behavior.
"Temporary" pictures and videos. Some examples: Confide, Instagram, Facebook Messenger, Telegram Messenger
Nothing shared between devices is truly temporary, even when an app builds its whole marketing around it. Compromising pictures and texts get kids in real trouble because they believe what they're sending is private and will disappear.
- What to do: Let your kids know that nothing they send is truly temporary, and it's easy for others to share what you've sent. Because it's often hard for kids to really consider consequences, and they might think it won't happen to them, it might be worth sharing some facts about kids getting in legal trouble because of "disappearing" pictures.
Toxic culture.Some examples: 4Chan, Discord, Twitch
Some sites and apps attract trolls and other confrontational types who want a place to express extreme views in an in-your-face way. Kids can be drawn to this provocative communication style and see it as a place to belong -- especially if they feel persecuted in other parts of their lives, -- but the interactions are often laced with bullying, sexism, hate speech, and other cruelties that can escalate quickly.
- What to do: Toxic culture can really do a number on kids' self-esteem, and when they get involved in a negative environment, they tend to spread it around. Find out why your kid wants to use certain platforms, and then make sure they know how to report and deflect negativity.
Updated
March 15, 2021
Middle School Testing Calendar
REMOTE LEARNING PLAN
FFMS Expectations for Remote Learning
EXPECTATIONS FOR REMOTE LEARNING -- STUDENTS
When you were learning remotely in the spring, many of you did your best to be successful, no matter the circumstances. This year, we have had more time to think ahead and to plan for the possibility of remote learning. We have NOT decided to learn remotely at this time. However, in case we do, you need to know the expectations.
REMOTE LEARNING IN THE FELICITY-FRANKLIN LOCAL SCHOOLS
WHAT DOES IT LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
You will participate “live” in all your scheduled classes via Google Meet.
Teachers will teach lessons from their classrooms using the technology tool identified for your grade level. You will be expected to log into:
Grades K-1 SeeSaw
Grades 2-4 Google Classroom
Grades 5-12 Schoology
Teachers will teach on screen and/or use an interactive whiteboard.
You will be given opportunities to practice and get teacher feedback.
Digital resources will be organized in ways that allow you to get to them easily.
Of course, teachers will check in and make sure you’re doing well emotionally. Remember, our main focus is your academic achievement.
Teachers will be introducing and assessing new content. It won’t simply be a review of what has already been taught. We have to keep moving forward.
DAILY SCHEDULE
You will follow the daily schedule on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
You and your peers will be learning together in real-time, following your daily schedule (see pages 3-6).
Teachers in grades 2-12 will use Google Meet as their video conferencing tool.
You are expected to be seen on screen during instructional time.
You may use different, school-appropriate backgrounds if you desire so that your family privacy is protected.
Homework and practice are to be completed outside of your Google Meet time.
PLEASE NOTE: Students who are already participating in distance learning through Accelerate Education (K-5) or APEX (6-12) will remain on those programs until the end of the academic quarter. At the end of the quarter, they may switch to the district’s remote learning plan if they choose to do so.
WHAT ABOUT WEDNESDAYS?
Wednesdays will be used as Teacher Communication Days. Teachers will communicate with your parents/guardians if you have poor attendance, are struggling with content, and/or are not actively engaging or participating during class.
Wednesdays will also be used for teachers to provide remediation (scheduled in advance).
You may be assigned and expected to log-in to virtual support meetings on Wednesdays or at other times, as scheduled and agreed upon by your teacher.
You are expected to use Wednesdays to complete assignments, seek assistance, and/or monitor your own progress.
GRADES
Your grades will NOT be based on only your participation or simply doing your work. The quality of your work will be the basis for your grades.
As always, grades will be entered into ProgressBook, and your parents/guardians will have access to your progress.
ATTENDANCE
You will be expected to attend all classes Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday.
Your parents/guardians are still required to contact the building secretary if you are absent, just as they would do if you were attending school in person.
Excused and unexcused absences will continue to be defined by the school district.
Make-up work for absent students is up to the teacher. They may record their classes and post them on the digital platform for you to review, or they may ask one of your peers to partner with you to get class notes, etc.
Teachers will make sure you feel supported in catching up if you are absent.
Please remember, students may be assigned and expected to log-in to online support meetings on Wednesdays or at other times, as scheduled and agreed upon by the teacher.
STUDENT TECHNOLOGY
You will be provided with the technology necessary to actively participate in remote learning activities.
Grades K-1 iPads Grades 2-12 Chromebooks
WI-FI ACCESSIBILITY
Hot spots are being distributed to families who are in need of them.
Your parents are asked to contact building principals if you are in need of hot spots to connect to the Internet.
All parking lots on the Felicity-Franklin Local Schools campus are now wi-fi equipped if your family chooses to access the Internet that way.
MEALS
Cafeteria staff will be preparing non-heated meals for district families during the time you are learning remotely.
Because the weather is getting colder and because you need to be online learning, delivery vans will bring meals for the entire week to families on Mondays. No pick-up is necessary.
Parent Survey
Parent Survey
March Character Trait-
The way parents talk about ability and learning can have powerful effects on their kids’ beliefs. Below are three ways parents can instill a growth mindset. And remember, developing a growth mindset in yourself and in your kids is a process that takes time. Have a growth mindset about developing a growth mindset!
- Recognize your own mindset: Be mindful of your own thinking and of the messages you send with your words and actions.
- Praise the process: Praising kids for being smart suggests that innate talent is the reason for success, while focusing on the process helps them see how their effort leads to success.
- Model learning from failure: When parents talk positively about making mistakes, kids start to think of mistakes as a natural part of the learning process.
Parent Referral Form for the YMCA Program
Parent Tips
FINAL FORMS
Please keep Final Forms Updated
2020-2021 School Calendar
Charge the Chromebooks!
Please make sure your child gets in the habit of charging their chrome books each evening. It is important that they come to school prepared and the chrome books are as important to class as bringing paper and pencils. They will need their computers to fully participate in instruction in most classes.
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To Contact Me
email- hilert@felicityohioschools.org
Phone- 513-362-5382