
Back to School
Set Up for Success
Tip:
🍎Before school starts, set clear screen time limits and create a simple daily routine: homework first, then limited screen use. Keep devices in shared spaces during school nights and avoid screens during meals and before bed.
Why it matters:
🍎Too much unstructured screen time can impact focus, behavior, and learning habits—especially at the start of the school year when routines are forming. Excessive screen use can also lead to decreased attention span, difficulty transitioning to tasks, and disrupted sleep.
Pro Tip:
🍎Start small and stay consistent. Even simple routines like “no screens before school” or “devices off 1 hour before bed” can make a big difference in your child’s focus and mood.
Try This at Home:
🍎Create a simple family tech routine chart (morning, after school, bedtime) and post it on the fridge so expectations are clear and consistent.





https://www.halifax.k12.va.us/page/school-bus-routes

There will be a joint facilities meeting of the Halifax County School Board Facilities Committee and the Building and Grounds Committee on Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 1:00 PM. The meeting will be held in the Superintendent’s Conference Room at Halifax County Middle School located at 1011 Middle School Circle, Suite 100 South Boston, VA 24592. Enter via Door O.
The open session of the meeting will also be available on YouTube at the following link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emeIBYUjeGE

The Open House for Halifax County Middle School and Halifax County High School will be Wednesday, August 5, 2026 from 12:30 PM-6:30 PM. The Open House for all elementary schools will be Thursday, August 6, 2026 from 12:30 PM - 6:30 PM

https://www.halifax.k12.va.us/.../school-supply-lists/442688

Summer is the perfect time for kids to spread their wings — both outdoors and online! Help your child build digital independence by teaching simple, confidence-boosting tech skills they can use safely on their own.
✨ Tech Tip:
Show your child how to handle small tech challenges before asking for help. Practice things like:
Restarting a frozen device or app
Connecting to Wi-Fi
Downloading updates safely
Using search tools to find answers responsibly
These moments empower them to problem-solve and think critically, while you still keep a caring, watchful eye.
💡 Pro Tip:
Praise effort over perfection! When your child figures something out independently — even a small task — celebrate it. Building confidence with technology prepares them for school, work, and life.
🌐 Helpful Website/App:
Code.org – www.code.org
Engage your child in fun, free coding games that strengthen logic, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
💬 Remember:
Just like learning to ride a bike, digital independence takes practice, patience, and guidance. The goal isn’t to remove support — it’s to raise safe, capable, and confident digital citizens! 🦅

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QSSJgfDjk5U

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJPAz69Ulc0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-XL-rdCnYQ


Shore’ Up Your Security on Vacation!
The Tip:
🌞Your child may ask to connect their phone or tablet to “free Wi-Fi” while traveling—but not all networks are safe. Public Wi-Fi at beaches, hotels, or restaurants can sometimes be fake or unsecured. When possible, use your family’s hotspot or wait until you’re on a trusted network.
Why it matters:
🌞Hackers can use public Wi-Fi to see activity on a device or trick users into joining look-alike networks. This can put personal information, logins, and accounts at risk—especially for kids who may not recognize the warning signs.
Pro Tip:
🌞Turn off “Auto-Join Wi-Fi” so devices don’t automatically connect to unknown networks. Also remind your child not to enter passwords or personal information while on public Wi-Fi.
Parent Connection:
🌞Before traveling, talk through a simple rule: “We only connect to Wi-Fi we trust.” Show your child how to check network names carefully—some fake networks are designed to look like real ones.
Helpful Resource for Families:
👉 https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/using-public-wi-fi-networks-safely
This guide explains how public Wi-Fi works and simple steps families can take to stay safe while traveling.
Try This at Home:
Check your child’s device settings and turn off auto-join Wi-Fi
Practice identifying a “safe” vs. “suspicious” network name
Set up and test your mobile hotspot before your trip
Create a family rule for when and how devices can connect
Conversation Starter:
“If you saw two Wi-Fi networks that looked almost the same, how would you decide which one is safe?”

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zyyp-uias8wsDsI4y1d0Su7jpRBydsXY/view?usp=sharing

The countdown is almost over! ⏳🎓
Tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM, the Class of 2026 officially takes the stage. Share this link with your family, friends, and out-of-town guests so everyone can celebrate this amazing milestone together!
📺 Stream the ceremony live here: > https://youtube.com/live/WTPWIATXK_c?feature=share

