The Weekly Update #4

Dear Parents,

Our team wants to express our deepest gratitude to you for your unwavering support throughout the 2023-2024 school year. As summer approaches, I hope this message finds you well and looking forward to a well-deserved break. May your days be filled with relaxation, joy, and new memories with your family!

I want to assure you that we are already hard at work preparing for the upcoming school year, ensuring that our technology resources continue to enhance the learning experience for our students. Your ongoing partnership is invaluable to us, and we are grateful for the opportunity to serve you and your family.

Wishing you a wonderful summer ahead!

Warm regards,

Maggie Donohoe

Director of Technology

Our website has recently gone through a refresh and we are so excited to share it with you. The content is pretty similar, but now there is an easy "Student Resources" button right on the home page with all of the important things you need. Want to stay in the know with what's happening in Howe ISD? Check out the news and live feed section of the website!

Being a good citizen in the digital world is just as important as being one in the physical world. Digital citizenship means being respectful and responsible while online, and it requires critical thinking skills to navigate various online environments. As technology advances, students are spending more time online than ever before. As the school year ends and summer approaches, it’s very important to keep our students safe online.

Tips for Parents and Guardians

1. Set rules and boundaries: Establish clear rules and boundaries for online behavior. This can include setting limits on screen time, restricting access to certain websites, and monitoring social media activity.
2. Educate children about online safety: Work with the school to support the education of children about the potential dangers of the internet and how to stay safe online.
3. Monitor online activity: Monitor your children’s online activity to ensure they are following the established rules and boundaries for screen time, accessing websites and social media interactions.
4. Encourage open communication: Encourage children to talk to them if they encounter any problems online. This can help prevent issues from escalating and allow parents to address any concerns.
5. Use parental controls: Use parental control software to restrict access to certain websites and monitor children’s online activity.

As students spend more time online, it’s important for teachers, parents and guardians to take steps to ensure student safety and privacy. By educating students about online safety, setting clear guidelines and boundaries, monitoring online activity, encouraging open communication, and using parental controls, we can help keep students safe online. With these tips in mind, we can help students enjoy the benefits of the internet while minimizing the risks.

With students having more free time during the summer, there comes more interest in spending time online. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) suggests using these guidelines for screen time to help set rules and boundaries for interacting with technology:

1. Kindergarten to 5th grade: Children should have no more than one hour of screen time per day including time spent on television, computers, tablets, and smartphones.
2. 6th grade to 12th grade: Provide consistent limits on the amount of time children spend on electronic media and the types of media they use.
3. Help all children prioritize non-screen activities, such as physical activity, socializing, and reading.
   

It’s important to note that these guidelines are just recommendations, and that parents and guardians should use their own judgment when it comes to their children’s screen time.

As we embark on this summer break, please remember to stay connected with us for any updates regarding technology and important dates. We'll be working diligently behind the scenes to ensure a seamless experience for the upcoming school year. Keep an eye out for communications and enjoy your well-deserved break!