The Riebli Record

The Big Event added a new category of auction items this year - Teacher Experiences! Space is still available in some of our experiences. Sign ups are first come, first served so don't delay!

Proceeds from these experiences go directly to the PTA, as do all Big Event proceeds. We appreciate your continued support of the PTA.

In my research about the "new" things regarding tech. The concept of "Dual Screening" continues to be something that surfaces to the top.

Have you heard of "dual screening"? Even if you haven't, you've likely seen it in some form: It can either be people using more than one device at a time (like watching a TV show and texting at the same time) or splitting your screen to watch two videos at once (like a movie clip on one side and a slime-making demo on the other). For those of us who grew up with only six channels and a rabbit ear antenna, it's disconcerting. For some kids today, it's normal.

Common Sense Media shared in a recent article some concerns around Dual Screening:

"In addition to attention spans, we're also worried about digital drama, spotting misinformation, and our collective well-being—not only for kids, but also ourselves. Devices can become a pacifier of sorts, easy to pick up when anxious, bored, or even angry. You see the impact of tech-induced overstimulation in your classrooms. How can you get kids to read carefully, think critically, and listen actively when they're used to scrolling 10-second videos in quick succession?"

I hate to say it, but there are no easy answers. Social media will still be here tomorrow, and the education system as we know it isn't going to adapt overnight. So what can we do right now? Since kids are mostly unwitting guinea pigs in this cellphone social experiment, it's up to adults to help them consciously cultivate the "soft" skills that can be weakened by constant stimulation.

This is why grades 4-6 watched "Screenagers" and had multiple lessons with Mr. Cooper about technically and balance. He highlighted the clear benefits of slowing down, getting quiet, and being fully present. Our school continues to support students with offline skills that help kids be present, practice in-person communication, and reflect on their digital experiences.

Our article "Offline Digital Citizenship: Soft Skills to Support Strong Online Habits" is a great place to start for resources and activity ideas. Here are a few:

• As discussed in a recent article, the Positive Tech Habits activity can be a really powerful co-learning experience when we approach it honestly, together. When we're mindful about our habits and how they affect us, we can pause and perhaps make different choices.
• This activity is great for families to do. It helps kids examine the differences between in-person and online communication. Consciously cultivating face-to-face interactions—with explicit instruction when necessary—can boost SEL skills, open discussions about how to defuse digital drama, and call out the clear benefits of IRL interactions.
• Because many topics are polarizing—and digital media makes us dig in even further—it's important to help kids build skills for civil discussions. It's easy to repeat what we saw online; it's harder to truly listen and find some common ground.

This is why we have such a focus on SEL and soft skills are school. We also know that between devices and the pandemic, today's kids truly might need very explicit instruction about these soft skills. If there's a way to build little bits into what you're doing, your kids will benefit from this. Thank you always for partnering with us!

Thank you for all you do already,
Emily

Thank you to all the families bidding on the parking spot at The Big Event.

To honor their donation to the school, please refrain from parking in these spots. You are always bid on them next year at The Big Event!

The Riebli Book Exchange is almost here. Our kids love this event! Book Exchange allows each Riebli student to bring home new-to-them books at no cost. They can keep these books forever or bring them back to Riebli for next year's Book Exchange.

But we need books to make this happen. Please bring your gently used book donations to school for our Book Exchange. We need books from all reading levels, especially tweenager books for our 5th & 6th graders. Look for the donation box in front of the office (inside on rainy days) starting Monday, March 25th. We will be accepting donations for this year's event until Wednesday, April 17th. Porch pick-up is also available. Please text Becky at 415-640-2634.

Any leftover books will rollover to next year. Students do not need to bring a book from home in order to participate.

On April 10, all of Riebli School will practice evacuating the campus. Students and staff will practice walking to our staging areas if there is ever a reason to. This type of drill is implemented when conditions outside the building or off-site are safer than inside or on-site.

So, don't worry if you see the whole school leaving campus on April 10!

Join Sara Gagnon for bilingual yoga classes, where kids can have fun and improve physical and mental well-being, all at the same time! Classes are conducted in Spanish and English. For ages 4-11. At four libraries: Rincon Valley, Northwest Santa Rosa, Guerneville, and Rohnert Park-Cotati. Click here for a schedule.

This interactive play has kids helping with puppets, playing parts, and "getting dramatic" in Spanish and English. For grades K-5. At three locations: Northwest Santa Rosa, Windsor, and offsite at Bayer Farm in Santa Rosa. Click here for more information.

Hello Parents,

The Mark West School District is actively looking for parental involvement in serving on our District Wellness Committee. The Wellness committee meets 2-3 times a year for 1 hour each meeting via zoom. The Wellness committee helps to promote the belief that foods and beverages available to students at district schools should support the health curriculum and promote optimal health, taking into consideration the needs of students with special dietary needs.

We need your help to continue this goal. If you would like to serve on the District Wellness Committee please reach out to Kelly Sansone (ksansone@mwusd.org) to join or with any questions.

The blacktop restrooms are open for student use between 1:45-3:15. Please walk your students over to the blacktop if they need the restroom.

The office restrooms are for staff only. If an adult needs the restroom between 1:45-3:15, please check in at the office for sticker to the adult restrooms in the multi.

Thanks

The Mark West USD is looking to add more support to our personnel staff. We are hiring paraeducators, yard supervisors, office support, lunch heaters and crossing guards. These positions are flexible; you can choose how much you'd like to work. If you've thought about working at your child's school, this is the perfect opportunity.

To apply, visit https://mwusd.org/employment to fill out an application.

For more information, please contact Marcia Noxon at (707)524-2970 or mnoxon@mwusd.org.

We look forward to adding you to the Mark West District family!

Email: etodd@mwusd.org
Website: http://www.mwusd.org/District/Department/3-John-B-Riebli-Elementary
Location: 315 Mark West Springs Road, Santa Rosa, CA, USA
Phone: 7075242980
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jbriebli/