February 3, 2012
Early adolescence is a time of rapid physical, emotional and intellectual growth. Even though our children are demanding privacy and independence from the adults in their lives, it is important for parents and teachers to stay as informed as possible. During the middle school years, supervision and guidance remains important for healthy development. At Pueblo we place a high value on the strong partnership we have with parents and feel that it is important to share some information with you so that you can support your children.
The electronic age has significantly changed the way that students not only gain information, but share it. At a young age, decisions children make can have serious legal and social consequences. Often children of this age do not understand the fine line between appropriate and inappropriate information to share with others. In fact, they likely have no idea that some of their actions are illegal or may follow them for the rest of their lives.
Recently, our administration has learned of Pueblo students engaging in inappropriate actions at home, using newer technologies and social media outlets. The social networking phenomenon has even further blurred the lines among school, home, and the community at large. The attraction and access to social networks by children who are still developing emotionally, makes it critical for all of us to be aware of and monitor all forms of electronic devices and media within the reach of children. Students have access to social networks not only through computers, but smartphones, Tablets, iPods, MP3 players, Kindles/Nooks and any device that has internet capabilities.
Pueblo Middle School and the Kyrene School District continue to be proactive in educating students and parents in a variety of ways so that we can work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our children. Pueblo administration, along with our School Resource Officer, Steven Dieu, will be holding team meetings at each grade level to discuss the appropriate use of social media, along with the Kyrene School District guidelines on electronic technology at school. We are also in the process of scheduling a parent education night taught by Officer Dieu. This training will be centered on ways parents can monitor their children’s access to social media and increase their understanding of how students are utilizing social media. Information will be sent home on Monday, February 6th, with the date and time of the training.
Thank you for working with us as together we seek to ensure the health, safety, and academic success of all children within our care.
Sincerely yours,
Jama Nacke, Principal
