The Connection

Anna High School has been recognized as a 2023-24 Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Distinguished School for the fourth year in a row. It is one of just a few hundred high schools across the U.S. to receive this honor for providing broad access to transformative learning experiences for students through PLTW. PLTW is a national nonprofit organization that serves millions of PreK-12 students and teachers in over 12,200 schools across the U.S, aiming to make every student in every grade STEM successful.

The PLTW Distinguished School recognition honors schools committed to increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs. To be eligible for the designation, Anna High School had to meet multiple criteria in the 2022-23 school year such as the number of PLTW courses available to students, percent of students enrolled in PLTW, percentage of students taking more than one PLTW course, and efforts to ensure equitable access to PLTW courses.

“We are honored to recognize Anna High School for their commitment to providing students with exceptional educational experiences while ensuring equitable access to PLTW programs,” said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "We congratulate them on this achievement and celebrate their dedication to empowering students with the knowledge and skills to succeed, not only in STEM subjects, but also preparing them for future careers and life outside of the classroom."

This week's AISD School Board meeting was a celebration of achievements. We are immensely proud of our students and their accomplishments.

AHS Journalism District Champs

AHS Tennis District Champs and State Qualifiers

AHS One-Act Play State Qualifiers

FFA Career Development Events State Qualifiers

AHS Band All-State Qualifiers

AHS Track and Field State Qualifiers

JKB Elementary Destination Imagination State Qualifiers

RSE Destination Imagination State Qualifiers

All returning students are required to register before the beginning of every school year.

ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS JULY 18

If you are unable to complete your child's registration online, in-person registration for all Anna ISD campuses will be held at one location, Slayter Creek Middle School. Please note that this is a change from previous years.

IN-PERSON REGISTRATION DATES AND TIMES:

• Monday, July 22 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
• Tuesday, July 23 from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

In the digital age, social media has become an inseparable part of the student experience, offering both benefits and drawbacks. Current research supports the dual nature of this technology.

Positive Effects

1. Enhanced Connectivity: Social media platforms facilitate communication and networking. According to a survey by Pew Research Center, 81% of teens aged 13 to 17 in the US use social media. The same study found that 52% of parents with children aged 11 or younger report that their child uses social media sites or apps. This interaction allows students to connect with peers, educators, and professionals globally, which can lead to new friendships, group projects, exploring career interests, and finding jobs.

1. Educational Resources: Platforms like YouTube and educational forums provide access to vast learning resources. A study published in the Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology found that 59% of students reported using social media for educational purposes.

1. Creative Expression: Social media encourages creativity. According to a report by Common Sense Media, 82% of teenagers in the US believe social media helps them express themselves creatively, which explains the explosion in popularity of TikTok dances and skits.

Negative Effects:

1. Decreased Academic Performance: Excessive social media use can lead to distraction and decreased academic performance. The Journal of Applied Developmental Psychology reports that the constant stream of notifications, messages, and online interactions can disrupt study habits, impede cognitive development, and contribute to poor time management skills, all of which affect students’ grades and learning.

1. Mental Health Concerns: Social media usage has been linked to mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Research published in JAMA Pediatrics revealed that adolescents who spent more than three hours per day on social media were more likely to report internalizing behaviors like self-criticism, worry, and fearfulness. The pressure to maintain a curated online image may induce stress and anxiety in many of these students.

1. Cyberbullying: Social media platforms can be breeding grounds for cyberbullying. A report by the Cyberbullying Research Center found that 36.5% of students in the US have experienced cyberbullying, with platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok being common mediums. Trends of taking potentially embarrassing texts, videos, or photos and sharing them with others can break students’ feelings of safety and trust.

While social media offers avenues for learning, connection, and self-expression, its negative impacts on academic performance, mental health, and cyberbullying cannot be ignored. It's crucial for students to strike a balance, leveraging the benefits of social media while being mindful of its potential pitfalls.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends making a Family Media Plan to help set reasonable expectations for social media use. To set one up for yours, go to: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/fmp/Pages/MediaPlan.aspx#/

• Register to be a volunteer at your child's school. Volunteer Application.
• Click on the Families button on the homepage of the website for a list of quick links.
• Join your school PTA or Booster club. AISD is grateful for the support of these parent leaders.
  

In the know: In addition to this eNewsletter, which typically comes twice a month, there are other ways to keep up with all the great things happening in Anna ISD:

• Ensure your information is current with your school, so you receive text message alerts, phone calls, and emails.
• Visit our website annaisd.org
• Follow AISD and your campus on social media. Facebook X Instagram
• Download our mobile app

Tell us why you 💜 AISD.

May 24 .......... AHS Graduation