School Board Work Session: March 19, 2024
The ISD 423 Board of Education will conduct a work session on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, 5:30 – 7:30 pm, in the Middle School Media Center (1365 South Grade Road).
Click Here for School Board Agendas
Play and Learn Preschool Open House
Teen Involvement in Activities
The Importance of Teen Involvement in Activities for Holistic Development
By Erika Tillmann, School Counselor, Hutchinson Middle School
Throughout my first few years in the field of school counseling, I have observed the immense benefits that extracurricular activities can bring to teenagers. Engaging in a variety of activities outside of regular academic studies is a key component of a teenager’s holistic development. In this article, we will explore why teens should actively participate in activities and how it can positively impact their personal growth.
Boosting Academic Performance: Engaging in extracurricular activities has been proven to enhance academic performance. Students who are involved in activities such as sports, clubs, or student government often develop better time management skills, discipline, and the ability to balance their studies with other commitments. These skills translate into improved academic performance, as they learn to effectively prioritize tasks efficiently.
Developing Social Skills: Participation in activities provides teenagers with opportunities to interact with peers who share similar interests. Engaging in group activities fosters teamwork, cooperation, and effective communication skills. These experiences help teenagers build strong social networks, develop empathy, and learn to respect diverse perspectives. Such skills are crucial for success in future careers and personal relationships.
Building Self-Confidence: Teenagers who participate in activities often experience an increase in self-confidence. Whether it’s performing on stage, presenting a project, or competing in a sports event, engaging in activities allows teens to showcase their talents and abilities. Regular involvement in activities helps them develop a sense of pride in their accomplishments, boosting self-esteem and overall confidence.
Discovering Passion and Purpose: Extracurricular activities offer teenagers an opportunity to explore their interests and discover their passion. Whether it’s art, music, sports, or academic clubs, these activities expose teens to diverse experiences and help them identify their strengths and talents. Finding a passion at a young age enables teenagers to nurture their skills and develop a sense of purpose, ultimately leading to greater satisfaction in their lives.
Managing Stress and Promoting Mental Health: Teenagers today face various stressors, including academic pressure, social challenges, and personal issues. Engaging in activities can serve as a healthy outlet for stress and a means of relaxation. Participating in activities provides a break from the daily grind, allowing teens to focus on something they enjoy and can find solace in. This can significantly improve their overall mental health and well-being.
Encouraging teenagers to participate in extracurricular activities is essential for their holistic development. These activities not only enhance academic performance but also provide opportunities for personal growth.
Tutors
Tutors: The District does not endorse or recommend specific tutors; however, a list of people providing tutoring services is available.
The Hutchinson Public Library also has many resources for student learning.
PTO Annual Fundraiser
By Jen Mahan-Deitte, Interim Principal, Tiger Elementary
It’s a fundraising safari!
The West and Tiger Elementary Schools have partnered with our local PTO to hold our one and only fundraiser for 2023-2024! Money raised will support programs and materials that students use in grades K-5.
The kick-off date is scheduled for Thursday, March 7, 2024. Donations will be accepted through cash, checks (payable to Hutchinson PTO), and online by clicking here or scanning the following QR code.
Students will learn about different animals during the safari fundraiser and complete daily challenges. A culminating event (including an obstacle course and glow run) will be held at the high school on Friday, March 15.
Thank you for your continued support of Hutchinson Public Schools and the PTO!
Click below for more information:
2024-2025 Academic Calendar
The 2024-2025 Academic Calendar is now available!
Revised 2/12/24
*No School for Students December 20, 2024 and April 17, 2025 (K-12 Professional Development)
Highlights
- First Day of School: September 3, 2024
- 2 Hour Early Releases (instead of late starts)
- Shorter Breaks Integrated Throughout the School Year
- Spring Break: March 10-14, 2025
- Last Student Day: June 4, 2025
- Graduation: June 6, 2025
Cell Phones and Social Media
By Tim Singer-Towns, Assistant Principal, Hutchinson High School
Cell phones and social media have become a large part of the lives of our families and students over the last few decades. They allow us to connect and share our lives with those who mean the most to us. Apps like Snapchat, TikTok, and Instagram give us the ability to share whatever is on our minds at the touch of a button. While this technology improves communication, it can also create problems in educational settings.
One concern is the distraction caused by cell phones and social media in schools, harming students’ academic performance. Social media, in particular, has proven to be addictive and cause students to lose focus during class. To tackle this issue, Hutchinson Middle School does not allow cell phones to be in classrooms, and the High school requires them to be put away during classtime. If a phone is out when it is not supposed to be, it can and will be confiscated by staff.
Another consequence of social media is the increase in cyberbullying among students, which can seriously affect a student’s mental health. Hutchinson schools teach digital citizenship and have implemented anti-bullying programs emphasizing empathy and online safety. When concerns about online postings are brought up to staff, we work with all our resources including counselors, administration, and law enforcement to ensure that all students feel safe and comfortable in school.
It is the team of school and home that will make these efforts successful. Families play a crucial role in monitoring their children’s online activities. To encourage responsible phone use without being overly restrictive, families can follow these strategies:
- Establish Open Communication: Encourage children to share their experiences, concerns, and interests related to phone use, fostering trust and understanding.
- Set Clear Expectations: Establish realistic and age-appropriate guidelines for phone usage, involving children in the process and considering factors like schoolwork, family time, and personal responsibilities.
- Model Responsible Behavior: Set an example by using phones responsibly and purposefully, avoiding constant phone-checking during family time, and engaging in offline activities.
- Encourage Face-to-Face Interactions: Plan activities that promote quality time and open conversations within the family, without the distractions of phones or screens.
- Designate Phone-Free Zones and Times: Create designated periods in the house, such as mealtime or before bedtime, where phones are not allowed. This promotes uninterrupted family interactions and healthier boundaries with technology.
- Teach Time Management Skills: Help children balance phone usage with other activities by prioritizing responsibilities like homework, chores, physical activities, and social interactions. Teach the importance of setting limits and taking breaks from screens.
- Encourage Hobbies and Offline Activities: Support children in pursuing offline hobbies, sports, arts, or other activities they enjoy, providing alternatives to excessive phone use and promoting a well-rounded lifestyle.
- Establish Rules for Appropriate Online Behavior: Talk with your child about the kinds of online behavior that are hurtful and unacceptable. Be sure they understand the damage that online gossip and cyberbullying cause their classmates. Establish consequences if they should ever engage in such behavior.
By implementing these strategies, families can work with the schools to promote responsible phone use while maintaining a supportive and balanced approach. It is important to strike a middle ground between setting guidelines and allowing children to develop autonomy and decision-making skills regarding phone usage.