Blog

Filter

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 14:01:00 GMT

As we get older we start to learn boundaries, mostly because we have tested them as young adults. We not only learn boundaries for behavior we learn boundaries for what we say. I often talk to kids about the filter between the brain and the mouth. This is a very important filter, and if it is ever turned off it we can say things that we do not mean.

We also have filters for our behaviors. The “look before you leap” saying comes from this. The filter that we have is an internal one that typically comes in the small voice of our conscience. If we don’t listen to that voice we can find a mistake brewing, one that we may remember later on.

Last month I wrote about technology and different ways to protect your children. Over the past month I have investigated a few filtering software products, such as NetNanny, CyberSitter, SafeEyes, and BSecureOnline. All of these products seem to be made with quality. After looking at various reviews and features I would vote for BSecureOnline. With features that allow you to customize and extend to multiple computers in your home you may find this to be the simplest and most user friendly software. I don’t get any kickbacks from this company, but it seemed to be the best choice.

Just remember that the best filter is a child’s internal filter. You can always help foster that with guidance as a parent, not only with technology, but with actions and words. Thank you for all of your support.

Online

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:12:00 GMT

On November 2, 2011, John Halligan came to Beaver River to speak about cyberbulling and teen suicide. He spoke in the afternoon with our students and then held a parent event. During this parent event, which about 20 adults had attended the request was put out to include technology tips for parents in our news letter. This is my first attempt at this...

With my background in technology I can often get lost in the fact that not all adults are savvy with technology. I often get reminded of this when my family members call me for help with their computers at home. For those of us who have immigrated into the land of technology we may not speak the language to be able to communicate with our children who are digital natives.

Our biggest concern as parents is safety of our children. So how do we maintain safety online? One of my first rules at home is that our children need to ask for permission to use the computer before logging on. This may seem like a loss of freedom but I can't say that I didn't know that they were online. I then ask them what they are doing and have them within earshot or sight so that at anytime I can check to see what they may be doing. In the meantime I am also researching filtering software to see what may fit my family’s values while children are searching online. I’ll keep you posted on this. If you have concerns about technology or how to keep you child safe, feel free to give me a call.

November

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:10:00 GMT

As the fall leaves have fallen we see a season change. This has been the them for this year. We are approximately one fourth of the way through the year and the changes that have taken place have taken root and our adjustments have been made to make each of these changes effective.

One of the changes that we have seen in education is the "Dignity for All Act". This new law deals with bullying and the responsibilities for all those who are involved. One of our responsibilities as a school is education about bullying. In response to this we are holding an assembly on November 2nd called Ryan's story. John Halligan is the presenter. John and Kelly Halligan lost their thirteen year old son, Ryan, to suicide on October 7, 2003. At the time of his death, Ryan was a student at a middle school in Essex Junction, Vermont. It was revealed in much greater detail after Ryan’s death that he was ridiculed and humiliated by peers at school and on-line.

In addition to John speaking to our students, we are opening up the opportunity for him to speak to parents in our community. He will be speaking during the evening of November 2nd. We invite you to come and see John speak about this timely topic.

The Majority

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:09:00 GMT

During October we see many election signs up to call for us to vote for various elected officials. They are looking for a majority that believe they can do the job for them. We often see the term majority in many other areas of our life, even at school.

The majority of our students are hard working with quality character. This majority is often silent. Those who stick out in our mind are those that go against the norm quite possibly against the acceptable practices (rules) of our daily life. Those that go against the norm often give us a picture of what we would think society to be. Statements like “students these day just do know how to do such and such ”. Most often this statement is given because the silent majority of students do the “such and such”. The majority of our students participate in activities either in school or out of school that builds positive characteristics.

I was very pleased to see a student go against the norm in a positive way on the second day of school. She was a witness to situation where one student was picking on another inappropriately. She stepped in and asked the student to stop. She was not silent, while the majority was.

I hope you are enjoying your fall. If you have any questions about the school year, feel free to call me in the high school office.

Changes

Tue, 23 Aug 2011 12:08:00 GMT

As fall approaches our minds turn to the coming season of cool weather, changing colors, and crisp clear air. The changing season becomes an exciting time of anticipation and apprehension of what is to come. Change often brings these two emotions out of us. When things change we have to let go of some of our strongholds in order to grow into a better person. Over the past 12 months we have learned this more than anything else.

In order to adjust to the financial pressures that our district has faced in the past year we have had to make a few changes to our traditional mode of operation. Some of these changes include moving to a nine period day, changing our lunch periods, and losing our late buses. While these decisions were not taken lightly they were the decisions that had to made in order to continue to operate in financial and staffing shortage, while maintaining excellent program.

Myself, I have learned that there are events and pressures that you can and cannot control. However, you can always control the way that you react to those pressures. Taking a look at the facts that are in front of you is always the first way to handle the situation.

With all the changes, I look forward to the opportunities that come, and am excited about the coming year. Welcome back to school, and the new season of life!