WGO - ES Archive: October 10

WGO

Issue #9: October 10, 2024

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From the Principal

Ms. Michelle Alzamora

Dear Families,

As technology continues to play a significant role in our daily lives, many children are spending more time on screens than ever before. Whether it's watching TV, playing video games, or scrolling through social media, screens have become a common fixture in many households. However, as parents and caregivers, it's essential to be mindful of the amount of screen time children are getting and its potential effects on their development and well-being.

Excessive screen time can have negative effects on children's physical and mental health. Studies have linked excessive screen time to obesity, poor sleep, and decreased physical activity. Additionally, too much screen time can affect children's social and emotional development, as it can limit their opportunities for face-to-face interactions and can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness.

As a parent or caregiver, there are steps you can take to help manage your child's screen time. Here are some suggestions:

Establish rules and boundaries around screen time. Consider setting limits on the amount of time spent on screens each day and what activities are allowed.
Encourage alternative activities. Encourage your child to engage in activities that promote physical activity, creativity, and social interaction, such as playing outside, reading, drawing, or playing board games.
Monitor your child's screen use. Keep an eye on what your child is watching or playing and ensure that the content is age-appropriate and safe. We suggest Common Sense Media to help you determine appropriateness.
Set a good example. Children learn by example, so it's essential to model healthy screen habits yourself. Limit your own screen time, especially during meals and family time.
Use technology as a tool, not a babysitter. Technology can be a great tool for learning and connecting with others, but it shouldn't be a substitute for face-to-face interactions or quality time spent with family and friends.

By being mindful of the amount of screen time your child is getting and encouraging alternative activities, you can help promote healthy habits and ensure that screens are used in moderation. Remember, screen time is just one part of a healthy and balanced lifestyle, and it's up to parents and caregivers to help children find a healthy balance.

Yours,

Michelle

Reading for Refugees

Please remember to send your pledges to school by Sunday, Oct. 20th. We are collecting the funds to send them to CRP.
Ms. Pachachi will be running Reading for Refugees with a few fifth graders as part of their current social studies unit. This initiative ran from September 29 - October 9. Students read books to raise money for CRP.

ES Day of Play - Thank you Student Council and PTG

The students had a great time on Wednesday for our Day of Play! I was very impressed with our student leaders who organized and facilitated the entire event! They were very thoughtful in planning activities that all of the children would enjoy and advocated for a Bouncy House. We have not had the opportunity to do any fundraising yet so the students wrote letters to PTG asking for a donation. A BIG thanks to PTG for considering the students’ request and helping us to source and to pay for a fun bouncy experience. Our Day of Play was a true example of what our community can do when we give students agency and then support them to make their dreams a reality.

From the HS Student Council

From the ES Counselors

Updated Resource Webpage - Discussion ideas and coping strategies when approaching unfairness, violence, crime and war with your child.

Talking about topics like unfairness, violence, crime and war can be hard. You might not know what to say in the moment. Being ready for these talks can help. Please check out the resources on this page and let us know how we can support you!

Tim Steadman and Hayley Jeanes

From the ES Learning Commons

Grade 2 students participate in a Digital Citizenship lesson and learn how to stay safe, kind, and responsible online!

KG is learning all about the parts of a book during today's read-aloud: *This Book is Spineless*

October LC Ambassadors hard at work in the library, ensuring everything runs smoothly, making a positive impact, and helping with the weeding of our nonfiction section!