Dear Parents,

Are your children “iBored”? (Yes, thanks to technology we are adding yet another tech word to our vocabulary)

It is no surprise to anyone that this generation – known as Gen M (millennial) - spends the majority of their waking hours using some form of technology. Our children are now spending 14 hours a week watching television, 2.75 hours per week using home computers, and 72 hours per week using electronic media. Free time is spent listening to iPods, networking, downloading, uploading, and instant messaging. The “must have” tech gadget is a computer followed by a cell phone and then an iPod or MP3 player.

So how do we know if our children are “iBored” and what can we do? Being “ibored” means that a person may seem to be at a loss for what to do if they are without a cell phone, iPod, computer, etc. What can we do – be sure that our children engage in actual verbal conversations with friends and family, not allow our children to “bury” their head inside of some electronic equipment when they are with friends or family, replace electronic equipment with a book (not the electronic type) from time to time, basically just be sure that human contact and interaction not be outdone by technology.

We cannot hide or run away from technology. It is here to stay, and the changes and advancements are coming faster and faster. Schools are using more and more technology, and students are mastering technology at a younger age. Let’s remember that the comfort, warmth and experience provided by reading a bedtime story, sharing a laugh, or playing outside create memories that technology can never mimic.

REMINDERS:

* Friday, February 5th child care ends at 5:00pm due to the parades
* Friday, February 12th is a 1:45pm dismissal with child care only until 4:00pm
* Mardi Gras holidays are Monday through Wednesday only, the week of February 15th

PLACES TO BE SEEN:

* Mass (PK-8th, Thursday, January 28th 8:30am
* Catholic School Week Mass (PK-8) Tuesday, February 2nd
* Mass (5-8) Tuesday, February 9th 8:30am
* 3D Parent lunch Tuesday, February 9th
* 3F Parent lunch Wednesday, February 10th
* Mass (1-4) Thursday, February 11th 8:30am
* 3M Parent lunch Thursday, February 11th
* PK parade Friday, February 12th 12:30pm
* In school Thursday, February 18th and Friday, February 19th
* Mass (5-8) Tuesday February 23rd 8:30am
* Mass (1-4) Thursday February 24th 8:30am