Impactful:
“I’m tired.” That is one of the most common responses I hear when I greet students as they arrive at Spectrum each morning and ask, “How are you today?” Some level of fatigue is expected during the teenage years. Late nights studying, practices, jobs, time with friends, and the desire for entertainment all come with the territory.
What feels different now is how constant the exhaustion has become. It is no longer occasional. It is daily. More and more, I find myself concerned not just about students being tired, but about what that fatigue is costing them academically, socially, physically, and emotionally.
When we step back and look at the root cause of many student challenges, one factor consistently rises to the surface. Cell phones. And, it would not be an exaggeration to say that upwards of 85 percent of the behavior issues our administrative staff works through with students are connected in some way to cell phone use. Late night screen time, social media conflict, disrupted sleep, and constant stimulation all take a toll.
Adolescence is a critical time for physical development, brain growth, and character formation. Sleep, face-to-face interaction, and downtime are not optional. They are essential. When screens dominate every free moment, those priorities often get left out.
This is where partnership with families really matters. Even in the later high school years, students still benefit from guidance and reasonable boundaries around technology. I also recognize how challenging that can be. It has been a point of contention with my children in my own home as well. What we keep coming back to is that these conversations are not about control. They are about caring enough to do something about it. When we work together to support healthy habits, we help give students the energy and balance they need to thrive.
Practical:
Parents and guardians, we need your help. We are entering the final three weeks of the 2nd trimester and this stretch really matters. Regular attendance during these final weeks plays a significant role in student success, especially for students who may need additional support to finish the trimester strong.
Our goal is to work alongside families to help students who are struggling, but that support is most effective when we are able to communicate and problem-solve together. If your student is facing challenges with attendance, engagement, or coursework, please reach out so we can partner with you and provide the assistance they may need.
Thank you for your continued support and collaboration as we work with your students each day.
Weeks-at-a-glance:
- Monday, February 2nd: C@SH Day
- Tuesday, February 3rd: Mandatory Senior Advisory Session
- Wednesday, February 4th: Activity Eligibility WARNINGS
- Monday, February 9th: C@SH Day
- Wednesday, February 11th: Activity Eligibility SUSPENSIONS