Connect to Your Family and Friends During the Holiday

A little over 6 months ago, Mr. Howie (KES principal) provided the 8^th grade promotion speech for Kingman and delivered a phenomenal speech focusing on two themes; choices and disconnecting in a connected world. As we all approach a school break, finish final exams and the end to a semester of school that has flown by, I would like to reiterate Mr. Howie’s points about "connecting by disconnecting" with regard to your family and friends over the holiday break.

Mr. Howie pointed out how the internet and social media can be both a “blessing and a curse.” The ability to instantly access information over the internet and connect to friends and family who are not physically nearby is truly a blessing. Yet, Mr. Howie further points out that texting, snap-chatting, and using other social medias and posting anything about anyone without looking the other person into the eye can be a curse and often leads to challenging issues. It is completely different looking someone in the eye and directly talking to another person. The benefits include truly getting to know someone else and often can lead to lasting friendships and personal encounters often end with a handshake or even a hug. 

As you get together for relaxation and hopefully quality family time during the break, I hope you all consider putting the electronic devices away, talk to each other, play some games together, celebrate with each other and that each of you truly connect over the holiday. Some of the greatest educational innovators who integrate technology everyday place rules on their own kids and families often requiring them to turn them off and put away devices. These technology leaders have “tech free” weekends and "device free" family vacations. Certainly, I hope you use Facetime or Skype to connect to those family members and friends far away, but you might consider a “device free” holiday for those physically present.

On behalf of the Board of Education, administration, and staff, I wish you a blessed and safe holiday break and we look forward to a great second semester and hope you all get connected!