Hello Knight Family:
This week, we’ve seen how much of a challenge social media and cell phone use can be for our students. From trending TikTok's to drama-filled Snapchats, it’s clear that being a teenager today comes with very few breaks from the online world. Research continues to show that while social media can have some positives, the negatives often outweigh them. These include distractions from homework and family time, disrupted sleep, the spread of misinformation and rumors, oversharing, unrealistic comparisons, online predators, cyberbullying, and an increase in anxiety, depression, and loneliness. It isn’t that great of a world.
In his book The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt puts it well: “We have overprotected children in the real world and under-protected them in the virtual world.” This is a powerful sentence that makes me think.
At school, we require students to turn in their phones to their classrooms during the school day, with the exception of passing periods and lunch. This helps limit distractions and keep students more present in their learning.
As parents, one of the most powerful things you can do is simply start conversations with your student about their online life. A few questions you might ask this week:
If you could switch places with one of your teachers for a day, who would it be and what would you do? (I had to start with something fun that doesn’t have to do with social media!)
What’s the funniest or most positive thing you’ve seen online lately?
Do you ever feel like you need a break from your phone or social media? What would that look like?
How would your day at school be without cell phones?
How do you feel social media affects your focus on schoolwork or studying?
What’s one thing we could do as a family to spend more time together without phones or screens?
Your curiosity and open conversations can make a big difference in helping your student navigate the challenges of growing up in a digital world.
Next week’s newsletter will be all about Homecoming Week. A few keys to remember, study hall will be mandatory. Students will have the opportunity to work on their class float or catch up on homework. The theme is Broadway and our dress up days are listed below to give you a head start on planning.
Monday: Gatsby's Party: Dress your best! Wear your best clothes!
Tuesday: Elphaba vs Glinda: Wear either green or pink!
Wednesday: Greasers and Pink Ladies: Greasers wear leather, black, and bandanas. Pink ladies, wear pink, skirts, etc.
Thursday: Aladdin Carpet Colors: Seniors - Blue, Juniors - Red, Sophomores- Yellow, Freshman - Purple
Friday: Knights at Broadway: Wear your Knights gear/colors!
Have a great weekend!
Mrs. Seegmiller
#GoKnights
For up to date information follow us on Facebook at Arthur CUSD #305, Twitter @ALAHKnights, and now on Instagram at alahknights.
Upcoming Dates:
Saturday, September 20, 2025
Bass Fishing LPC Conference Tournament
Cross Country @ Tuscola, 10:00 am, bus time 8:15 am
Soccer @ home vs. Warrensburg-Latham 10:00 am
HS Cheer is having a tryout from 12 - 3 in the West Gym. This tryout is for the boys and girls basketball season. If you've got questions, please contact Coach Appleby at alahcheer305@gmail.com.
Monday, September 22, 2025
Film Club meeting during study hall
HS Golf @ home vs. Sullivan, Altamont and CGB - senior night activities start @ 3:45, match @ 4:00 pm
JV Football @ Argenta-Oreana, 6:00 pm, bus time 4:00 pm
Tuesday, September 23, 2025
Seniors meeting with Jostens during flex
Sophomores meeting with Jostens during study hall
FCA meeting during study hall
Art Club meeting during study hall
Golf @ home vs. Villa Grove, Heritage and Tri-County
Wednesday, September 24, 2025
NHS meeting during study hall
Golf - Girls LPC Conference Meet @ Blue Ridge - 9:00 am, bus 7:00 am
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Volleyball @ Okaw Valley, 5:30/6:30 pm, bus 4:00 pm
Soccer vs. ACS - 4:00 pm
Golf - Boys LPC Meet @ Blue Ridge - 9:00 am, bus time 7:00 am
Friday, September 26, 2025
Varsity football @ Sullivan - 7:00 pm, bus time 4:40 pm
Golf @ Charleston High School - 1:00 pm, bus time 11:20 am
Saturday, September 27, 2025
Cross Country Spartan Classic @ SJO 9:00 am, bus 6:45 am
Morton Marching Band Invitational @ Morton High School 11:00 call time, 4:15 pm performance
Down the road:
September 30 - Jostens order due - Ring, Jacket, and Graduation Items
October 3 - Homecoming
October 9 - School Improvement Day, 12:00 Dismissal
October 13 - No School, Columbus Day
October 22 - 23 - Parent/Teacher Conferences, 2:00 pm Dismissal
October 24 - No School
October 28 - Blood Drive
October 28 - Picture Retakes
November 11 - Veteran’s Day
November 12 - Sports Pictures
November 13 - School Improvement Day, 12:00 Dismissal
November 26 - 28 - Thanksgiving Break
December 11 - School Improvement Day, 12:00 Dismissal
December 18-19 - Final Exams, 2:00 pm Dismissal
December 22 - January 2 - Winter Break
January 5 - Teacher Institute, No School
January 6 - Classes Resume