Salem Middle School | 2380 Lynnhaven Parkway| Virginia Beach, VA 23464 | Office: (757) 474-8411 | Contact Us
vbschools.com Employees: vbcps.com (From School) | vbcps.com (From HOME) | Employee E-mail
My School Mail

Home
About Us
Administration
Contact Us
Disclaimer/AUP
Emergency Information
Location
PTA
School Staff
Search
Site Map

Activities/Calendars
Academic/Athletic Schedules
School Calendars
Student Activities

Programs
Gifted Program
MySchool Mail
Testing/Tutoring/SOL

Resources
Homework Hotline
Internet Safety
Library Media Center
Sharepoint Info
Student Page
 Parent Page
Planner/Handbook

Topics on this page include:

*Blogs
*Computer Safety Tips
*Improving student grades
*Extra (free) assistance for your student
*Bully proof your student

Web Blogs: :

A Word About “Blogging”  

A recent article was published online on the MSNBC website (msnbc.com) regarding teens and the use of blog sites. Probably every student at Salem knows about “blogging,” but possibly not all parents are aware of the events unfolding on blog sites like myspace.com or Xanga.com. A blog is an online site where an individual can post journals, pictures, and carry on conversations about any topic. “Blogging” is just the verb form of maintaining a site. Myspace and Xanga seem to be the most popular, but there are many blog sites most of which are free.

Here are a few key points from the article:
- Contrary to the students’ beliefs, a blog is open to 700 million people to read
- Employers and colleges are examining blog sites in reference to applicants
- 1,224 cases of “enticement” by adults using blog sites were reported last year
- Personal information posted on these sites can be used commercially, including photos

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children also estimates that one out of five children will be sexually solicited online. The article further states that teens often act differently online than they would in real life. It is important to note that everyone posting on a blog site is still responsible under libel and slander laws. Schools around the country are reporting discipline cases where students have posted comments about teachers or other students that were threatening, harassing, or libelous. Even Salem has investigated cases involving blog sites.

What about blogs from school computers?
Students cannot access blog sites at school. Our filtering software prevents both myspace.com and xanga.com from being viewed. However, students are very savvy and are daily finding ways around the blocks. Our school division technology department is continually adding “back-door sites” to their blocked list to prevent access at school. Our staff members are also vigilant in monitoring computer access. Students most often engage in this activity from home or at a friend’s house. Students can maintain blog sites without experiencing the troubles listed, but by acting differently online and posting embellished profiles, they invite sexual predators and other hazards listed in this article.

Advice for parents:
At the very least, make sure your child is aware of the key points listed in this article. Insist on reading your child’s blog. Check out these sites and other middle school kids’ blog sites.

There are many pitfalls to using the Internet, and teens don’t always make the best choices. Please be sure to monitor your children’s Internet use to guarantee their safety and success.

The entire article can be read at: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11064451
Another good site for information is www.blogsafety.com

Computer/Internet Safety :

Computer/Internet Safety:

The Virginia Beach Department of Technology for Schools has compiled computer safety tips for parents and students. They can be accessed on http://www.vbschools.com/computer_safety/index.asp


Tips on Helping Your Student Improve His or Her Grades:

*Study each night for approximately 15 min in each subject. Be sure to also re-read all of you notes. *Organize notebooks. Then MAINTAIN an organized binder. Utilize the Table of Contents if your teacher uses one. *Call the homework hotline to ask for help on homework questions you cannot seem to get. A licensed teacher will guide you in the right direction and help you answer that tough question.
*Put your bookbag by the front door so you won't have to look for it in the morning. *Utilize the school planner and record daily in it all homework, test, quiz and project dates. *Set goals using the monthly calendars-- break projects down into smaller parts and keep track of your progress.
*Make a "To Do" list each day. Prioritize your list with "Must Do" and "Could Do." *Go through your student's work with them to ensure better understanding of directions/topics. *Due to having an A day and a B day, complete homework the night it was assigned. Don't wait until the next day as you might forget important information



Extra Assistance Offered (at no cost):

*Math Tutoring, daily in the SMS cafeteria from 7:30-8:15am *SOL Tutoring, contact
Ms. Aucamp for more information.
*NJHS Tutoring on Wednesdays in the SMS library from 8:20-9:00am in the Gifted Resource Room. Teachers must sign student planner prior to attending.) *Homework Tutorial Center, daily in the cafeteria from 7:30-8:30am. Students must have a signed consent from from parent. Forms can be picked up in the main office.
"Hands-on-Homework" Homework Assistance on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:50-5:50pm, contact our guidance office for more information. *SMS Library is open to students daily from 8:20am until 3:50pm for book check out, research, or Internet use.

 


Bully-proof your student:
Most students will not report bullying even when they become
desperate. Signs that your child is being bullied are as follows:

*repeated requests to stay home
*claiming illness when not sick
*excessively dirty clothing
*unexplained bruises
*missing possessions
*a need for extra school supplies/ lunch money/ items that can be extorted

Here are some ways to help your student deal with bullies:

 1) Don't give the bully an emotional payoff: It is more helpful if the child learns to be calm and walk past the bully without reacting.

2) Be Assertive:Ignoring bullies is often not enough. Adults can help students stand up straight, look the bully in the eye, and tell them in a firm voice to stop by using phrases such as: Don't do that. I don't like it. I'll report it if you keep on doing it. Then, the child should walk away from the bully. You can only reason with a bully if he/she is alone. They gain strength from a group.

3) Do something unexpected: When the child who is usually picked on does not behave the same way, the bully may give up picking on him. Parents can role play situations making sure that their child practices saying "stop" in a convincing voice without looking down or mumbling.

4) Strengthen your child's friendships: Have your child stick with friends when the bully is arround. Encourage your child to invite friends over after school. Get your child involved in an activity or sport where they can make new friends.

5) Get help: When all of the above does not work, include the teacher. Don't wait too long.


 
Home | Disclaimer/Acceptable Use Policy | Emergency Information | Search | Site Map | Sharepoint Information
Virginia Beach City Public Schools
Updated Thursday, March 20, 2008