Luella Elementary School Newsletter April 2015

Learners to Exceed Standards ...by working hand in hand,

Dr. Carla Montgomery Principal

Ms. Michelle Wagner Assistant Principal

Luella Elementary School 575 Walker Drive Locust Grove, GA 30248

Phone: (770) 288-2035

Fax: (770) 288-2040

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58% of 12-year-olds have a cell phone. Does this mean that your child should have one? Instead of worrying about the “appropriate age,” focus on the needs of your child and your family. Does your child need an easy way to contact you? Do you trust him or her to be responsible with a cell phone? Have you set clear guidelines for the use of mobile devices? Considering these factors, rather than your child’s age, will help you choose what is right for your family.

Lenhart A. Teens and Mobile Phones. Pew Internet & American Life Project, 2010

When you think about your children’s online activities, do you consider their cell phones? They have evolved from simple communication devices to mobile, miniature computers. For example, smartphones have operating systems similar to that of computers which allow users to download programs or “apps.” These apps help users do things like access e-mail and play games. Also, most cell phones allow users to download and upload content from the Internet just as they would on a computer. However, cell phones can be more difficult to monitor than a computer, and children often use them without adult supervision. Make sure to review your family’s Internet safety rules with your children and become aware of the following risks before allowing them to own cell phones.

Making Cyberbullying More Painful

Cell phones make it easy for children to communicate with their friends, but they also make them vulnerable to cyberbullying. Cell phones can be used at anytime and anywhere, giving cyberbullies unlimited access to their victims. Children may send and receive mean-spirited phone calls, texts, and pictures at any hour.

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Playing a Role in Grooming

Predators also know and take advantage of the fact that cell phones let them talk with their victims at any time. They are also aware that parents and guardians often forget to monitor children’s cell phones. Predators may send children cell phones and ask them to keep the phones a secret. They can then talk to and exchange text messages and pictures with children without close monitoring by parents and guardians. Others may ask children for their cell phone numbers after meeting them online or try to connect with willing children by sending texts to random numbers. Unintentional Sharing of Geolocation Data

Most smartphones have GPS technology which allows the user’s precise location to be

pinpointed by apps and on websites. Social networking sites such as FourSquare,

GoWalla, and Facebook take advantage of this technology by encouraging their users

to “check-in” or share their locations. A “check-in” can be shared with a list of friends,

so make sure you know who is on your child’s friends list before allowing them to use

this type of technology. Children also may share their locations unintentionally

through pictures taken with their smartphones; these photos often have geolocation

data embedded in them. Consider disabling the location services on smartphones

before allowing children to post photos online.

INTERNET SAFETY

The Internet has drastically changed the way that children interact with the world.

They have access to in-depth knowledge, tools to express their creativity, and people

from all over the world. Yet along with offering a fascinating, new way to connect

with the world, the Internet also offers new risks

Cyberbullying

Exposure to inappropriate material

Online predators

Revealing too much personal information

Learning to recognize the warning signs of these risks will allow trusted adults to intervene and lessen potential negative impacts. By acting as a resource, parents and guardians can help make the Internet a safer place for their families. As a parent or guardian, you should stay well-informed about current issues to understand what your children are experiencing on and off the Internet. If they are social networking, instant messaging, using webcams, or blogging, help them use these tools safely by learning how to use them yourself. Children whose parents and guardians regularly talk to them about personal safety are more likely to exhibit responsible behavior on their own.

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[1] NetSmartz invites you to learn about the issues surrounding your children’s online lives. Then use the discussion starters to help you begin a dialogue about safety with your children.

[1] Cox Communications Inc. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® and John Walsh. Teen Internet Safety Survey, Wave II. Atlanta: Cox Communications Inc., 2007.

TIPS

Learn the basics of Internet safety

Children use a variety of online services, and each of these services can have different

safety concerns. However, there are some basic tips which you can employ no matter

how your children use the Internet.

Keep the computer in a high-traffic area of your home.

Establish limits for which online sites children may visit and for how long.

Remember that Internet technology can be mobile, so make sure to

monitor cell phones, gaming devices, and laptops.

Surf the Internet with your children and let them show you what they like

to do online.

Know who is connecting with your children online and set rules for social

networking, instant messaging, e-mailing, online gaming, and using

webcams.

Continually dialogue with your children about online safety.

Below are links to resources for learning additional information about internet safety and also for teaching your kids about internet safety:

http://www.netsmartz.org/Presentations/Parents

http://www.fbi.gov/stats-services/publications/parent-guide

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=toXEdisa6hI

Roofing Residential Commercial

770-872-4696 www.excel-build.com

155 Westridge Pkwy Suite 223; McDonough, GA 30253

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Words to Parent By: 10 Words & Phrases to Use Once a Day

You can use these everyday phrases to instill confidence, self-respect, and thoughtful-ness in your children.

1. Thank you. It's important to acknowledge your child's effor ts to help you or others. You might say, "Thanks for helping me look for that missing sock" or "Thanks for setting the table; I got the salad made while you were doing that."

2. Tell me more. Words like these show your child that you are listening and that you would like to hear more about what's on his/her mind. "Tell me more" encourages conversation without passing judgment or giving immediate advice-two responses that discourage further communication from your child.

3. You can do it. Your expression of confidence in your child's ability to do many things without your help is important. As your child grows older, there will be many times when your encouragement will mean the difference between his giving up on a challenging task to seeing it through.

4. How can I help? Let your children know you are willing and available to help them accomplish a particular task that may be difficult for them to manage on their own. You might say: "I think you can read that story by yourself now. Let me know if you need help with a new word.” As your children take on projects in school, encourage them to think of specific steps that are necessary to complete a project. You both can decide which tasks your children can handle on their own and which ones they'll need help with.

5. Let's all pitch in. A child is never too young to learn that cooperation and team effort make many jobs easier and speedier-and often more fun: "Let's all pitch in and finish raking the leaves so we can go in and bake cookies," or "Let's all pitch in and clean up or we'll miss the movie.” Family activities and group chores can develop into pleasant rituals that enrich a child's life and create fond memories.

6. How about a hug? Don't just tell your child you love him-show him. Research indicates that young children deprived of physical touch and displays of affection often fail to thrive. As children grow older, they vary in the ways they like us to show affection. Some love to be cuddled, while others prefer a quick hug or pat on the shoulder. It's important to be aware of what your child enjoys most at a particular age.

7. Please. After all these years, " please" is still a classic. When you ask a favor of anyone including children-this "magic word" acknowledges that you are asking for a behavior that will help you and/or make you happy. (P.S. Don't forget to say "thank you" when the job is done.)

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8. Good job. Good for you. Self-respect and self-confidence grow when your child's efforts and performance are rewarded. Whenever possible, give your child lots of praise. Be sure your praise is honest and specific. Focus on your child's efforts and progress, and help her identify her strengths.

9. It's time to... " It's time to get ready for bed," or " do homework," or " turn off the TV.” Young children need structure in their daily lives to provide a measure of security in an often insecure world. It is up to you as a parent to establish and maintain a workable schedule of activities, always remembering that children benefit from regular mealtimes and bedtimes.

10. I love you. Everyone needs love and affection and a feeling of acceptance and belonging. We cannot assume that children know and understand our love for them unless we tell them. Letting your child know that you love him (and showing him with countless hugs) is important not only in toddlerhood, but as he gets older too.

May

1st Yearbook Signing Party 9:30-10:30 am

Math Goal Cookout

Georgia Milestones Dance ($3 fee) 1:00-2:00 pm

5th Career Day Grades 3-5

7th Moms and Muffins (Last names A-L) 7:00-7:45am

5th Graders visit Luella Middle School 9:00-11:00 am

8th Moms and Muffins (Last names M-Z) 7:00-7:45am

Cubs to Lions Dance-5th Grade 5:00-7:00 pm

18th Field Day Grades K, 2 and 4

19th Field Day Grade 1,3,5

21st Kindergarten Celebration/PTO Meeting 6:00 pm

28th 4th Grade Awards 8:15 am

29th 5th Grade Awards 8:15 am

Last Day of School