Grizzly News

Dear Middle School Families/Caregivers,

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to address an important topic that has been repeatedly brought to our attention over the past few years: the use of Snapchat and other social media platforms among our students.

While technology can be a powerful tool for communication and connection, it's important to recognize that apps like Snapchat come with unique risks, especially for middle school-aged children. Snapchat’s disappearing messages, location sharing, and potential for misuse can create challenges in terms of online safety, peer relationships, and appropriate communication.

As a school, we want to encourage responsible use of technology and ensure that all of our students are engaging in healthy online behaviors. Here are a few steps we recommend parents take:

1. Monitor Social Media Use: Regularly check your child’s social media activity and have open conversations about their online interactions.

2. Discuss Digital Footprints: Although messages on Snapchat disappear, remind your child that everything they share online can still be captured by screenshots or other methods.

3. Encourage Online Safety: Reinforce the importance of never sharing personal information, location, or inappropriate content, and to come to you or another trusted adult if they feel uncomfortable about anything they encounter online.

4. Promote Positive Peer Interactions: Social media can sometimes exacerbate conflicts or misunderstandings among peers. Please encourage your child to be mindful and respectful in their digital communications.

We understand that navigating the world of social media is challenging, and we are here to support both you and your child. If you have any concerns or would like more information about online safety, please feel free to reach out. Together, we can help our students develop safe and responsible online habits.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership in your child’s education.

Meet the Teacher Night will be held on Thursday, September 12th from 6-7 pm.

Keep up to date with Charlton PTO happenings by following them on Facebook!

UN-FUNDRAISER: https://forms.gle/oW9kd3xLLA9PmJ5U6

Feel free to visit the District Transportation Website for any questions pertaining to transportation. Don't forget! There is a Parent First View app that allows you to track the bus!! Download the Parent First View Set Up guide. It is pretty spectacular!

Below, we have some exiting digital news for you. While we understand some paper has been sent home, we are asking all families to update critical information via the parent portal. This will be the method moving forward, so we appreciate your help in reducing our use of paper throughout the district.

1. New! Ability to update contact information through the Parent Portal. Parents can now update contact information, including phone numbers, email addresses, employment details, and emergency contact information. To access the Change Request Form, log in and click on your user icon in the top right corner.

Important Note: Address changes will not be accepted through the Parent Portal. If you have changed your address, please contact your child’s school directly to ensure the appropriate documentation is provided to update your student’s record.

2. Student Information Health Form will now be accessible in the Parent Portal. Log in to the Parent Portal to submit the required medical health forms for child[ren] in the District. These will be located under Forms section on your dashboard. This is a required, annual, document that will need to be submitted for child[ren].

Important Note: If more than one parent has a parent portal account, both accounts will have access to the form, however only one form per child is required for the District.

3. Dudley Charlton Regional School District Student Handbook Technology Acceptable Use Policy 2024-2025 - This year we have a digital version of the sign-off for the Student Handbook Technology Acceptable Use Policy . Use this link to access our student handbooks and sign off on the required forms for child[ren]. If you have more than one child in the District, you must submit a response for each student."