High School Weekly Update

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Why is it so HARD to just TURN IT OFF?!

Yes, I know that all caps means shouting, and I hope you read that in a shouting voice as if you were asking that question out of frustration. When it comes to our devices, I think I can safely say we have all expressed that frustration at one point in our digital lives. What do we know about how our always-on devices have shaped our lives?

• Sleep patterns are negatively impacted

• Mental health declines with prolonged use

• Self-image is diminished

• Cyberbullying is increased

• Attention is reduced

• Brain activity is altered

These are just a few of the issues that are tied to constant use of technology. Technology includes video game systems, streaming media via laptops, social media via cell phones, etc. With increased use of technology, we now know that there are many negative effects from that usage. Yet we still do not turn them off. Why is that?

One of the primary reasons so many of us have difficulty disconnecting is a fear of missing out (FOMO). When our devices are on and nearby, we have developed a sense that we are always connected. We always have access and can be accessed in the event something happens, or at least we think we are. The fact of this reasoning is quite the opposite. If we objectively examine the recurrence of life-impacting events happening to us, we find that these are truly rare. Yet our perception that we will miss something of importance when our phone is off persists. Our perceived fear that we will miss out causes us to experience the frequent negative effects of keeping our phones on. The truth is that we will not miss much if anything by turning our devices off from time to time yet the addictive nature of this connection combined with the fear of what may be missed keeps us from doing so.

Why is it so hard? This is one of the simple truths. From what I have read and researched, we know what should be done but we keep choosing the opposite. It is my hope in writing this today that the information will cause some of our families to revisit the reality of always-on technology versus our perception of what we might miss if we turn it off and then make better choices for ourselves and our children. Our brains and emotions were not designed for such sensory overload and we may just find our lives are more enjoyable with less technology engagement.

Until next time…

You Matter!

Mr. Morgan

Our Juniors attended their second session of Launch on Thursday during Knight Time where they learned about building healthy relationships. The next Launch session for Juniors will take place on Thursday, April 10.

School will be closed Monday in recognition of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Have a great long weekend!

Greetings Parents and Students,

I am Lucas Maynor, a senior at Gray Stone, and for my senior project, I am doing a fundraiser for a scholarship in honor of Noah Nisbet. The scholarship will go to a senior swimmer who exemplifies traits that are similar to Noah. It will be picked by the coaches at the end of the season. In order to raise money for this scholarship, I am going to be selling barbecue (Whole Boston butts) and pickup will be on 2/2. More information can be found on the Barbecueforthebowl Instagram linked here and the order form is linked here.

This week's spotlight showcases Ms. Chandra Allen, who teaches Computer Science, Forensics, and STEM. This is Ms. Allen's thirteenth year in the classroom, and her first year at Gray Stone.

This week's Knight of the Week is Patterson Herlocker. One of Patterson's teachers wrote, "Patterson always has a positive attitude. She is an active participant in class and asks intriguing questions to spark deeper discussions of content material. Patterson takes a leadership role in class and can be seen helping her fellow classmates daily. "

We are proud of you, Patterson!

January 20-24

Monday MLK Day - No School

Tuesday Pasta (Meat or Alfredo Sauce), Garlic Bread, Salad Bar

Wednesday Beef or Chicken Tacos, Salad Bar

Thursday Baked Potato Bar, Soup, Salad Bar

Friday Pizza (Cheese or Pepperoni)

January 20 - MLK, Jr. Holiday

January 23 - Launch Session for Seniors

January 25 - Winter Dance

February 13 - Early Release Day

February 14 - Teacher Workday

February 17 - Presidents Day

February 20 - Launch for Seniors

Please help and volunteer or donate to the Blizzard Ball. https://www.signupgenius.com/go/8050C4AAFAE23AAFF2-53015964-2024#/

Gray Stone would like to announce a test preparation opportunity for students. On Saturdays during the coming weeks, one of the school’s English teachers, Andrew Hodges, will lead a class in ACT and SAT preparation. Please see the attached letter or contact him for more information at ahodges@graystoneday.org.

High School Tours
We will also offer school tours and information sessions to prospective high school families. Click here to schedule a visit with one of our counselors.

The FAFSA Connects Students to Resources to Pay For College.

You read that right – the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open and ready for your students to apply. Colleges and universities use the FAFSA to determine how much financial aid students are eligible to receive, including grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. Encourage your students to take time during their holiday break to get started!

The LANCE is a parent led organization that supports and enhances the existing programs of Gray Stone Day School. We work with the school, parents, teachers and community to support academics, athletics and social programs for the students and staff.

If you are interested in joining, please visit the Lance page on the GSDS website by clicking here.

General Meeting Schedule

Sep 3, 2024 6:30 PM
Dec 03, 2024 6:30 PM
Jan 7, 2025 6:30 PM
Mar 4, 2025 6:30 PM
May 6, 2025 6:30 PM

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86941536323

https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1345630/Gray-Stone-Day-High-School/

If you are interested in registering for Driver's Ed classes, please click here.

Gray Stone Day School is a regional school that provides a rigorous, college preparatory curriculum for students in grades 6 - 12. While developing strong character, students engage in highly challenging courses that will require them to work diligently in and out of the classroom. A high caliber teaching staff prepares a rigorous curriculum to prepare students for post-secondary opportunities.

Email: slisk@graystoneday.org
Website: graystoneday.org
Location: 49464 Merner Terrace, Misenheimer, NC, USA
Phone: 704-463-0567
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GrayStoneDay/
Twitter: @graystoneday