Principal's Message

Dear Parents and Guardians,

 

Technology and social media play a monumental role in the lives of your students. Both technology and social media can be wonderful tools for connecting us with those we care about, as well as engaging us in current events. Being active supports in the middle school setting, we have also seen these tools misused and have negative implications for our students. We wish to avoid dangerous or reckless social media usage that could be damaging to the emotional health of our students. Please take the time to have conversations with your student regarding their social media use, what apps they use, who they share their posts with, and the information or pictures they are posting. This is a topic that is applicable to all students, as exploration of socialization is a normal part of your middle schooler's development.

 

With the upcoming winter break, many students will have increased access and desire to be on their phones and using social media.  To minimize digital drama and capitalize on family time over the winter break, we encouraging families to consider a few of the following technology parameters:

• Do not be afraid to limit your child's use of social media to an hour per day. 
• Do not be afraid to have your students take a technology break. Having device-free time allows them to disconnect and remove themselves from the drama. 
• Teach your student how to set boundaries for healthy relationships, as these boundaries apply to both online and in person interactions. 
• Use movies, reality TV and current events to talk about responsible social media usage. 
• Keep lines of communication open between you and your student. Let them know you are there for them if they are experiencing social media drama.
• Inspect your child's devices regularly—you should know all logins and passwords.

If you believe the social media drama, bullying, or harassment is going to disrupt or negatively impact your student's day at school, call the Counselor, Principals, or Dean of Students for support. If they are aware of the situation, they can be a support for your student.

• Get to know the parents of your kid's friends, and encourage your students to hang out face to face. If drama arises, you can work with the other parents to help your students navigate the situation. 
• Administer spot checks--check your student's for late night messaging, social media usage, and emails. 
• Encourage open conversations with your student about social media usage. Check in with them weekly about what they are using, why they like it, and how the social media platform positively enhances their life.

For additional do's and don'ts of social networking, or other tips on what to be on the lookout for in social media usage, visit:

• Social Networking Advice for Teenagers
• The Parent's Guide to Instagram
• Parents' Ultimate Guide to Snapchat

Aimee Largent, School Counselor, Grade 6

Erin Gates, School Counselor, Grade 7

Ross Nelson, School Counselor, Grade 8

Andria Swanson, Social Worker

When to keep your child home from school
If your child has a fever, is vomiting, or shows signs of other illness, Wayzata Public Schools follows the Hennepin County Infectious Diseases in Childcare settings and Schools Manual to determine if your child is well enough to attend school. The intent of exclusion is to promote a healthy school environment by preventing exposure and spread of illness. Please report all illnesses or health conditions to the school's health office. Please keep your child home for 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting/diarrhea and until your child does not have a fever without using fever reducing medications.

Influenza Symptoms
Our school health offices are asked to report the number (not names) of students and staff who are experiencing Influenza-like Illness to the Minnesota Department of Health. When contacting the school to report that your child is sick, please be specific including if the fever is 100° or greater and if your child has a cough or a sore throat. If you have questions about these guidelines, please call your school health office.

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Ask Ali the tough questions you might be too scared to ask in person. Alison Wobschall, M.A., director of Partners in Prevention, is a psychologist with 14 years of experience in prevention. She has a special passion for healthy brain development. Submit any questions you have regarding topics surrounding substances, mental health, and parenting strategies.

Check out our addition of Discover Racquetball with Life Time! Grades 3-12, beginners welcome! Register here.

Birchview Ski and Snowboard Club - registration ends Jan 15 for session 2, register here.

Upcoming Event:
Young Scientist Roundtable - Keeping Bees on Their Six Feet
Wednesday, January 16, 7:00 p.m. at Central Middle School
Event is free.