|
Parents and Caregivers,
Thank you to all who attended the Parent Meeting on the topic of Safety and Security in light of this week’s events. The link to the meeting and resources are below. I invite any further questions or concerns. Please email me at almonticchio@fcps.edu .
And enjoy a wonderful three-day weekend.
Aimee Monticchio
The video can be accessed here: https://myfcpsk12.zoom.us/rec/share/CPl63bWOHDQyPZRUqVYZiAD7EmzBLjGvHSZGEb6l8Um-ixqfJoWhyLDt-F3aCPBD.NBp4_udM7l_X9Xh2?startTime=1676643144000
with the Passcode: ?VW^1$MCB.
More information and resources are available here:
https://hughesms.fcps.edu/announcements/lhms-safety-and-security-protocols
Schools and offices will be closed, Monday, February 20, 2023 in honor of
 |
The 7 Best Parental Control Apps of 2023 (verywellfamily.com)
Apple Family Sharing & Screen Time
Apple Family Sharing is where you restrict what your child's phone can do.
How to: First you add your kid's device under Family Sharing which gives you (the parent) the ability to control and set limits on various aspects of phone usage. Once the device is added under Family Sharing, select the device and select Screen Time. It is here that you can limit screen time for phone usage as well as for specific apps, limit what hours the phone can be used, set content and privacy restrictions, and communication safety settings. Under the "ask to buy" setting, you can require parental approval for any downloads or purchases. Whether you have a monitoring plan or tracking apps, these settings are important to get right.
Phone Monitoring Plans
MMGuardian - Monthly subscription (around $4/mo) and you can monitor their text messages, phone numbers called, and websites visited. You log in through the MMGuardian portal so the updates are not automatic, but you can view all of this info included any deleted texts. I also use the Web Filtering feature to set what websites are "ok" - you can set this as strict as you want including only allowing websites you have approved.
Bark is a common one especially for students on social media. Bark monitors for you based on words/phrases that may indicate issues such as bullying, suicide, drug use, etc. With MMGuardian, you can read the texts and gauge what is going on for yourself, and rely on a company's algorithms and keywords to pick up issues.
More considerations:
Privacy on social media - Suggestion, require your child to "friend" you so you are a part of what's going on. Social media is not a space for privacy and is incredibly public which can impact their future.
FCPS Digital Citizenship Resources: https://www.fcps.edu/resources/technology/technology-literacy/digital-citizenship
|
Academic Advising and our 2023-2024 SY Hughes MS Registration Site!
For more information about course selection for the upcoming school year, you can access out 2023-2024 SY Hughes MS Registration Site from the menu on the Langston Hughes Middle School website or with this direct link: https://hughesms.fcps.edu/2023-2024-sy-hughes-ms-registration On the site, you will find course selection materials, presentation materials, information and videos about electives and other course offerings, and so much more. Please visit the site and email our Director of Student Services, Michele Beard, at mbeard@fcps.edu if you have any questions.
Important Academic Advising Dates:
Rising 7th Grade
Our counselors will visit feeder elementary schools in the month of February to support course selection. Rising 7th grade students will receive a folder with information about course selection and the course selection sheet. Students will return signed course selection sheets to their elementary schools by the school’s designated date. Rising 7th grade course selection sheets are due to LHMS from the elementary school by March 6th, 2023.
Parents, over the next few weeks, help is needed in the health classes while the students create projects for the vaping and tobacco awareness campaign LHMS is taking part in. More adults in the room will help the creation process go smoother. This is the chance to make a difference in the vaping epidemic our teens and pre-teens are facing across the nation. We would love to welcome you into the school to provide support for our students. Sign up here.
|
  If you would like to know more about the program you can find at
https://www.fcps.edu/academics/academic-overview/college-success-program/college-partnership-program-cpp or contact Ms. Brooks at mlbrooks@fcps.edu or Mr. Blocker at mfblocker@fcps.edu
Application link for students: http://tinyurl.com/CPPAPP2023
Application window closes on March 10, 2023
Teens and Substance Abuse: Panel with Local Schools
A virtual panel on teen substance abuse will be hosted on Wednesday, February 22, at 7 p.m., by Formed Families Forward and the Northern Virginia Family Network. The panel will feature representatives from Alexandria City, Arlington, Fairfax County, Falls Church, Loudoun County, and Prince William County schools. Stefan Mascoll, coordinator of Student Safety and Wellness, will represent FCPS.
Caregivers and community members can join to learn more about current challenges, how they are being addressed in schools, and how families can help. Please register in advance.
Healthy Relationships with People and Substances
Relationships are important components in the development of living a fulfilling life. Valentine’s Day occurs in the month of February, causing a frenzy of purchases and planning between loved ones to show appreciation and love. Forming and maintaining healthy relationships is difficult but vital for those in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Healthy relationships are a factor in helping people maintain sobriety (Addiction Center). Bonds and companionship provide emotional support and are effective in increasing health and wellbeing. Emotional support decreases fears and helps people to thrive.
There is value in healthy relationships. Healthy relationships help decrease the chances of people struggling with addictions from engaging in toxic attachments that create feelings of frustration, stress, and conflict. Negative attachments can bring out the worst in people and create feelings that can lead to increased use of alcohol and substance misuse and abuse. Positive relationships encourage growth, comfort, and the creation of emotional bonds that provide feelings of joy and support. Open communication and commitment are two of the best ways to foster the ideal type of relationships most people strive for.
Common values to develop in healthy relationships include:
- honesty
- reciprocity
- effort
- respect
- safety & security
- laughter
- acceptance
- healthy boundaries
- unconditional love
- friendship
- non-judgmental
As the world celebrates love, it is important to do our part in the creation of positive partnerships, social circles, and healthy connections. Encourage the support and inspiration of those that may be silently vulnerable and struggling to feel safe.
Resources:
Healthy Relationships
Substance Abuse & Intimate Relationships
For general questions about the FCPS Substance Abuse Prevention Program, please contact the Office of Student Safety & Wellness at: (571) 423-4270.
For further Information & support:
Monica Rogers, CSAC, QMHP-C/A
Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist
mrrogers@fcps.edu
Are You Interested in Tutoring?
FCPS is now actively recruiting qualified tutors to provide academic support in-person to small groups of students. These new FCPS tutors will be paid an hourly rate of $47.17. The position is flexible, and the number of hours worked and location will be based on the tutor’s availability and qualifications, as well as the needs presented throughout FCPS. Apply now! Contact tutor@fcps.edu for more information.
Note: Current FCPS staff can only apply to tutor outside of their contracted hours.
Tutor.com Is Still Available and Free for All FCPS Students
Online tutoring through Tutor.com is available to all FCPS students as a resource for support and enrichment. As of January 2023, approximately 8,000 students have participated in approximately 34,000 tutoring sessions. Tutor.com remains available to all FCPS students at no cost. Find out more about Tutor.com.
Feb 20 - President's Day - Schools and Offices Closed
March 2 - 2-hour Early Dismissal
March 3 - Student Holiday
April 3 - 7 - Spring Break
|
