Advisory, Algebra, and Online Awareness

Dear ANCS Families,

As we settle into the school year, I want to take a moment to celebrate some of the great things we’re seeing at the Middle Campus. Our students are building strong classroom communities in advisory, engaging in hands-on science experiments (non-Newtonian fluid, anyone?), and showing resilience as they tackle summative assessments.

Last week, I even challenged our Algebra 1 students with a TEDEd riddle—Can you solve the bridge riddle? (Try it for yourself—click here!) These animated, interactive puzzles are a fun way to build critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

While there is much to celebrate, I also want to take a moment to address an important issue that’s affecting many of our students both in and out of school: group chats.

Messaging platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, Discord, WhatsApp, and iMessage are popular ways for students to stay connected. While these platforms can help build friendships and collaboration, they can also become spaces where inappropriate language, exclusion, or even bullying can occur—often without adults knowing.

Recently, we’ve become aware of several student group chats that included concerning content. These conversations can lead to misunderstandings, emotional distress, and disruptions during the school day.

As part of Digital Citizenship Week (September 16-19), students participated in advisory discussions about online behavior, digital responsibility, and the consequences of online harm. We encourage you to continue these conversations at home.

Please consider the following ways to support your child:

• Check in regularly about their online activity and the group chats they are a part of.
• Ask questions about the tone and content of these conversations.
• Reinforce expectations around respectful communication—online and in person.
• Set boundaries for appropriate digital behavior and screen time.

At ANCS, we are committed to creating a safe, respectful learning environment for all students. Digital behavior is an extension of that environment. While we cannot provide consequences to students for group chat activity that happens outside of school, students can receive consequences if those actions lead to:

• Disruption of the learning environment
• Verbal or physical altercations
• Any other negative behavior at school

Our goal is for all ANCS students to have healthy relationships—both online and in person. Thank you for partnering with us to help your child navigate the digital world responsibly.

We appreciate your continued support.

Dr. Nikia Showers