Teaching your children appropriate cell phone usage.
Since Christmas I have received about 10 cell phones that were taken from kids within school. As I noted in a previous post, this was due to the student using their phone during school hours. I realize the convenience of a cell phone, and actually, as a staff we are struggling to find the right balance for when and where to allow students to use their phones in school. As it now sits, students are to keep their phone in their locker during school hours.
For the parents, I have some more information that you may find helpful. By and far, kids are not using their cell phones for actual phone calls. Texting between friends has taken over. I would suggest that you check out your son/daughter's cell phone on occasion and read through some of their text messages. You may find them interesting.
One last note. In last week's February 23rd edition of Newsweek Magazine there was an article by Dahlia Lithwick that I think is worth reading. This article talks about the use of sending photos over cell phones and how teens are abusing this function. I found this article to be a little "over the top", but it did make me think. Check it out: http://www.newsweek.com/id/184814
Mandated Reporters - What does that mean?
Michigan law requires that certain people report any case of suspected child abuse or child neglect to the Michigan Department of Human Services (DHS). All school administrators, school counselors, and school teachers are mandated reporters.
Michigan law requires us to file a report when we have reasonable cause to suspect abuse or neglect. School personnel are NOT required to determine whether abuse or neglect has actually occurred - that is the job of the DHS. School personnel are simply to report whenever we suspect that abuse or neglect MAY have occurred.
I am writing this note just as an FYI. If you find yourself in a situation where you believe a child is being neglected or abused, please call the Michigan Department of Human Services at 1-800-942-4357.
Upcoming Dates of Interest:
March 2 - Parent - Teacher Conferences for Middle and High School (3-7PM)
March 6 - 7th and 8th Grade Late-nighter
March 9 – Report Cards Handed Out
March 20 – Green & Gold Day
March 23 – Spring Sports Practice / Tryout
April 3 – Spring Break Begins
