Mary Meredith K-12 School
From the Principal
We are almost at the mid-way point of 3rd quarter. Where does the time go? Spring testing is just around the corner. This is the time our students get to shine and exhibit their academic growth and success. We will be celebrating their effort, and you can support your student by ensuring they get proper rest and encourage them to do their best. We have our newly published PBIS (positive behavior intervention and support) manual and will be sending a copy home with your student this month. Please see important dates below regarding Parent Teacher Conferences and Rodeo Days.
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” —Maya Angelou
Let’s Go Mustangs – We R.A.C.E. to WIN!!!!
Mustang's Staff Spotlight:
Avenues Hip Hop is an Exceptional Education Program that launched just about 2 years ago. This unique curriculum was first founded by Shem Taylor and is now being continued by his twin brother Seth Music. Though it is a younger program, Mary Meredith has already seen an impact on their students. The curriculum teaches on the history and basics of the 4 main elements of Hip Hop. This would include, DJ/Production, Graffiti Art, Rap, and Hip Hop Dance. Last year (2024) the school's pillars were canvassed during a project called Project Mary. Students were given an opportunity to Graffiti/Write the actual pillars of the school which is R.A.C.E. Respect, Accountable, Compassionate and Engaged. From student inspired art and a collaboration with Sketch, a local Graffiti Artist who creatively brought the pillars to life with colors, shapes and powerful words, Project Mary became the highlight of the year!
MUSTANG' S SOCIAL WORK MINUTE:
Hello Meredith Families!
I hope the New Year has been treating you well as we enter the last month of winter! This month, I would like to highlight a topic for mental health awareness as well as a topic for brain boosting that is fun for the whole family!
First off, February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. This is a month-long event that raises awareness of dating violence among teens. If you have a teen, know a teen, or have a child approaching dating age, please take time to talk to them about the red and green flags of healthy, violence-free relationships. Activities include wearing orange to show solidarity, creating safety plans, and raising awareness about digital dating abuse. For more resources and tips, please fee free to contact me at the email address below.
Next, February is National Library Lovers’ Month! There are free activities at local libraries that can appease every member of your family, regardless of age or reading level. Books, games, and community activities are offered daily at free or low cost. To help your child engage in reading more, visit a library to explore the variety of reading materials offered. A fun way to get kids to read more (without them even knowing it) is to play a board game from the library or at home that utilize cards with short, simple phrases. This allows children the opportunity to practice reading skills in an engaging way while they have a family member nearby and available for assistance. The focus on the activities of the game increases a child’s attentiveness to reading and understanding the words on the instructions or in each step. Not only does this engage a variety of regions in the brain and build vocabulary, it’s also fun! Visit Pima County Public Library for more information on library locations near you. The staff is more than willing to assist with both book and game recommendations that will engage the whole household!
Thank you all for your ongoing support of our staff and students at Meredith.
With regard,
Dr. Katie Casanova, LCSW, DBH
MUSTANG'S COUNSELING CORNER:
In Chapters 5 through 8 of The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt delves into the detrimental effects of increased smartphone use on adolescents, particularly focusing on social deprivation, sleep deprivation, attention fragmentation, and addiction.
Chapter 5: The Four Foundational Harms
1. Social Deprivation: Increased screen time reduces face-to-face interactions, causing loneliness.
2. Sleep Deprivation: Smartphones disrupt sleep, leading to sleep problems.
3. Attention Fragmentation: Constant notifications harm focus and academic performance.
4. Addiction: The design of smartphones fosters excessive use and dependency.
Chapter 6: Why Social Media Harms Girls More Than Boys Haidt highlights that social media affects girls more severely, with a rise in psychiatric admissions for girls since 2013.
Chapter 7: What Is Happening to Boys? This chapter explores how screen time contributes to mental health issues among boys.
Chapter 8: Spiritual Elevation and Degradation Haidt links the lack of meaningful, real-life experiences through social media to lower life satisfaction among teens.
Tips for Parents:
· Encourage Face-to-Face Interactions: Promote activities that involve direct social engagement, such as family gatherings, community events, and group hobbies, to counteract social deprivation.
· Establish Healthy Sleep Habits: Implement a no-device policy during bedtime to ensure adequate rest and support healthy sleep patterns.
· Limit Screen Time: Set clear boundaries for daily screen usage to prevent attention fragmentation and reduce the risk of addiction.
· Foster Spiritual and Emotional Well-being: Encourage activities that promote spiritual elevation and emotional growth, such as mindfulness practices, nature exploration, and community service.
If you have any questions or feedback, feel free to email me. I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in supporting our students.
Ms. Deborah Valerio Mary Meredith – School Counselor
