Dear OLL Families,
Our students’ voices are primed and ready to go for our Advent Program. They are excited to let their light shine, and rightly so. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone tomorrow night and sharing this annual Advent experience that is such a cherished tradition at OLL - with power and lights this time!
One note before we leave. During this extra time away for break, we wanted to urge you to connect with your children and even each other around that fast-changing topic of technology. It is a powerful force and can be used appropriately and inappropriately. We’re fortunate to have a nurturing and safe learning environment here at OLL, and that is due to the wonderful children at our school, their parents, and our teachers/staff. We’ve been hearing questions and concerns from parents and teachers on this topic, and so we wanted to send you some resources that may be helpful in ensuring positive and safe technology use not only at school, but also at home.
How many of us have created a Family Media Use Plan? Talked with other parents about their family’s expectations around the use of cell phones when friends are over? Asked our children if they have seen anything inappropriate online? Are we as vigilant about monitoring our children’s technology use as we could be? For example, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that parents should
“Keep the computer in a public part of your home, so you can check on what your kids are doing online and how much time they are spending there.”
One final question - Are our children aware of what we expect of them in their use of technology? Again, the AAP suggests the following:
“Discuss with your children that every place they go on the Internet may be "remembered," and comments they make will stay there indefinitely. Impress upon them that they are leaving behind a ‘digital footprint.’ They should not take actions online that they would not want to be on the record for a very long time.”
The advent (lower-case “a”) of technology in all forms brings opportunities to connect, but also potential challenges. As we approach Christmas break and have more time with family, we’d like to ask that you continue to be vigilant about monitoring your child’s technology use. Thank you for your part in this.
Have a blessed Christmas and joyous time away!
Daniel P. Mullen
