What's Going On?
Although we, as a school, stand firm in our belief that having a phone before age 13 can have detrimental effects on students, we do know that in some cases, having a cell phone is a necessity for some students and families. However, we do want you to be aware of the impact that phones can and have been having on some students.
Middle School aged students don't always make the best choices when it comes to relationships with others. We've noticed an uptick in students using social media and technology to be mean to others and to create a negative experience for others at school. We need your help.
Social media platforms (like Snap Chat, Tik Tok, and Instagram/IG) have become popular mediums for cyberbullying due to their accessibility and the ability to reach a large audience. Here are some common ways social media is used for bullying:
Harassment and Threats: Bullies can send hurtful and threatening messages or comments to the victim, often hiding behind a fake identity.
Public Shaming: Embarrassing or humiliating photos, videos, or personal information may be shared publicly, causing emotional distress to the victim.
Impersonation: Cyberbullies may create fake profiles impersonating the victim, leading to false and damaging communications.
Exclusion: Bullies can intentionally leave someone out of online groups, chats, or events, isolating them and making them feel unwanted.
How Parents Can Help Their Children Make Positive Choices
As parents, it is essential to be proactive in addressing bullying and cyberbullying while guiding your children toward making positive choices. Here are some steps you can take:
Open Communication: Encourage your children to share their experiences and concerns with you. Create an environment where they feel safe discussing online interactions.
Educate Them: Teach your children about the different forms of bullying and cyberbullying. Ensure they understand the consequences and impact of their online actions.
Set Boundaries: Establish rules and guidelines for internet and social media usage. Monitor their online activities and consider using parental control software.
Emphasize Empathy: Help your children understand the importance of empathy and kindness. Encourage them to stand up for victims of bullying and report any incidents.
Lead by Example: Demonstrate positive online behavior and ethical internet usage in your own actions.
Seek Help: If your child is a victim of bullying, work with their school or relevant authorities to address the issue and ensure their safety.
Stay Informed: Keep up-to-date with the latest social media platforms, trends, and potential dangers to help protect your child effectively.
Understanding bullying and cyberbullying is crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of our students in the digital age. Supervision is key!
If you have any concerns or questions about bullying or cyberbullying, please reach out to your child's school or a mental health professional for guidance and support.
Stay vigilant, stay informed, and together, we can create a safer school environment for our children.
Thank you for helping your student be a #PowerPlayer
E-Mail Safety and Spam
Emailing School & District Staff
Spam filters are designed to identify emails that attackers or marketers use to send unwanted or dangerous content. They also throw out malware, malicious, and virus-infested emails and protect user security. Unfortunately, spam filtering is an inexact science that at times blocks legitimate messages.
Should you send an email to a staff member and not receive a reply within a reasonable amount of time (no more than 48 hours), please call the office.
Message about October 31st--Update
1. We do not wear masks and costumes to school
2. We do not wear face paint/decorated faces to school
3. We do not bring any costume-related gear (such as fake weapons, sabers, nunchuks, sports equipment, hats, etc...)
For the day, students CAN show their spirit for the holiday by wearing a t-shirt (must adhere to CCPS/CRMS dress code) that depicts a favorite holiday character, fall/Halloween symbols and decorations, movies.
For students in attendance on that day, we will be doing a grade-level Track Walk as a PBIS incentive. The weather is expected to be cooler, so please make sure your child has a sweatshirt/hoodie/light jacket to wear on that day when we go outside.
At designated times during the year, we do have activities where students will be allowed to be more spirited. Messaging for when that will occur will come home when the time comes!
Important Message About Attendance
Good attendance for your student begins on the first day of the school year. Consider the following facts:
Chronic absenteeism may prevent children from reaching early milestones.
Chronically absent students have difficulty keeping up with the pace at which they are expected to learn and grow.
Students who are absent even a day or two every few weeks fall behind their peers.
Irregular attendance can be a better predictor of whether students will drop out before graduation than test scores.
Consistent, on-time attendance is a habit that lasts into adulthood.
MESSAGE ABOUT BUS RIDES AND OTHER TRANSPORTATION REQUESTS
With regard to calls for students to NOT ride the bus in the afternoon...PLEASE MAKE SURE TO CALL THE OFFICE PRIOR TO 2:15PM FOR ANY NOTIFICATIONS ABOUT RIDE ARRANGEMENTS. It is very difficult for our office staff to get messages to students at the end of the day about transportation changes. We will do our best, but we really need your help with contacting and informing the school earlier.
CRMS Contact Information
Dr. Yolanda Holloway, Principal holloway.yolanda@ccpsstaff.org
Mr. Neil Lambert, Assistant Principal lambert.eric@ccpsstaff.org
Mrs. Heidi Plutschak, Administrative Secretary plutschak.heidi@ccpsstaff.org
Email: holloway.yolanda@ccpsstaff.org
Website: https://www.colonelrichardsonms.org/
Phone: 410-479-1462
