Danger, Beware...

 

By now, most everyone can agree that the increase in screen time that all individuals have experienced can have a negative effect on various parts of human interaction. Schools have particularly noticed a decrease in our students' ability to interact with each other appropriately, as well as a difference in the way that many adults have chosen to treat each other recently. With so much of one's life being online these days, actual face-to-face interaction and knowing how to conduct oneself when in public places is a character trait that we all have to bring back to the table. Many students have to relearn how to function in a public setting. We have to be retaught that things such as vandalism may get you increased points in an online gaming world, but in the real world can lead to serious issues for children and their families. We need to relearn that the type of language and the way one speaks/types in a text chat is not the same as an academic piece of writing or a face-to-face conversation. Children are increasingly finding comfort from the challenges of life online and while as adults we may think that things are okay because our kids are occupied, that may not always be the case. Fake social media sites are rampant right now and they aim to put people down or worse, cause harm. Recently, the New York Association of School Psychologists warned school officials of websites that have been created to assist students/children in learning how to and promoting suicide. Unfortunately, these types of sites are drawing more than 5 million views a month and have been linked to adolescent suicide throughout our country. With so much of the world moving to a virtual/online platform, there is no better time than now to ensure that we are all working together to help our children learn and understand the appropriate use of social media and the internet. No matter what we think as adults, each new generation of children will be more technologically savvy than the previous generation and will always know more than us. The only way to keep up is to have conversations with our kids and learn to be a part of their virtual world. It is true that not all social media platforms and technology as a whole are meant for ill-intentioned purposes. Many, if not most, are wonderful locations for people to keep connected, share information, and learn. However, as mentioned, with the vastly increased shift to the virtual world, we can never be too cautious of the dangers that lie ahead in this ever-changing world. 

SELSI Parent Survey

As a reminder, we are currently conducting our first round of the Social-Emotional Learning Skills Inventory survey for our students preK-12. The goal is to learn more about adult perceptions as they relate to a student's resiliency and ensure that we as adults are not missing cues from students that are in need of social/emotional support. In the end, we as a community will be better equipped to support our students as we will have a better understanding of their needs. Parents are encouraged to take the survey as well to provide input on their own perceptions/beliefs of their students. To take the first-round survey, please use this link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YHF9B2L. You will need your student's ID number to participate which can be found in your parent portal account. Round one of this survey ends today.

RFA Class Holiday Window Contest

Once again, in conjunction with Rome Hospital, each of the individual RFA cohorts has decorated a holiday window display at the hospital as a fundraising event. The window paintings will be on display throughout the holiday season and you can vote for your favorite window in the store. Thank you to Rome Hospital for partnering with RFA and to our STASS leadership for this fun event which brings the school and community together during the holiday season.  Students from each class volunteered their time and creative ability to design the best windows for Rome, so make sure to get out and vote for your favorite! You can cast your vote via this link: https://forms.gle/UpVYxX4sKhyGiCYJ7. 

COVID Vaccine Information

On Monday, December 13, there will be a free virtual presentation for parents/families who desire more information about the COVID vaccine entitled: COVID-19 Vaccines for Children 5-11 Years Old - What Parents and Teachers Should Know. The presentation focuses on local COVID-19 data, the safety and efficacy of the COVID-19 vaccine, and common questions that parents of young children have about the vaccine. The presentation is followed by a Q&A during which parents can ask local physicians any questions they have about COVID-19 and/or the vaccine. The presentation is run by AMC Community Grand Rounds, a group of Albany Medical College medical students and physician assistant students, as well as pharmacy students from Albany College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences. Community experts, including local physicians, also serve as expert commentators. For more information about the presentation, including a link to access the virtual presentation, please see their flyer here: https://app.peachjar.com/flyers/2188216/districts/32521.