Connection Time: GRADE 10

Optional Topics and Resources

Goal Setting

• Goal setting

Communication

• Communicating feelings

Social/Digital media awareness

• Internet safety
• Digital literacy and citizenship

Websites/Videos:

• Digital footprint: Microsoft Safety & Security:  Take charge of your online reputation. Chances are you already have an online reputation, even if you do not know it.  www.microsoft.com/security/online-privacy/reputation.aspx
• Abbas’s story:  Showcasing interests in a positive way online.  A high school senior shares insight on the quality of his posts. www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/abbass-story-pride-in-your-digital-footprint
• Pause and think online: Animated characters demonstrate how to be safe, responsible and respectful offline and online.
  www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/pause-think-online
• Emma’s story:  Cyberbullying can happen to anyone.  A 14-year-old girl is a victim of cyberbullying when a former friend repeatedly sends hurtful messages. www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/emmas-story-cyberbullied-by-a-best-friend
• Eva’s story:  Even private messages don't always stay private.  A young girl's inappropriate chat messages are sent to her mother causing her to think critically about the nature of online communication. www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/evas-story-when-messages-spread
• Online safety:  kidshealth.org/teen/safety/safebasics/internet_safety.html#
• Digital etiquette:  Digital etiquette, or netiquette as it is sometimes called, is a basic set of rules you should follow in order to make the Internet better for others, and better for you. It’s just as important to treat people with courtesy and respect online as it is in real life.  Interactive on Digital Etiquette – (self paced).  www.studygs.net/netiquette.htm

Conflict resolution

• Rights and responsibilities
• Responsibility rather than excuses

Coping skills/Stress

• What is stress?
• Website: Stress/Coping center: teenshealth.org/teen/your_mind/stress_center.html?tracking=T_RelatedArticle

Risky behavior

Websites/Videos:

• Tagged: What you do online can tag you for life:  When a group of high-school friends post a rumor about a rival it sparks a chain reaction that leaves no one untouched. Cyberbullying, sexting, filmed fights and police action ensue — will these friends avoid being tagged forever?  www.cybersmart.gov.au/Home/Teens/Games%20and%20videos/tagged.aspx
• Brittney’s story:  Teens often post things without considering the implications.  A teenage girl shares her story of regret after posting damaging videos online.  www.commonsensemedia.org/videos/brittneys-story-posting-something-you-regret

Appropriate decision making (drugs/alcohol/dating)

• Decision-making

Community Service

• Community service
• Handbook of Volunteer Opportunities for High School Students in Stamford

Character building

• First impressions
• School/work ethics
• Website: Lessons on building character: http://www.character.org/lessons/lesson-plans/

Manners

• Etiquette in public

• Website: Lessons on etiquette: www.pamf.org/preteen/growingup/etiquette.html

Accountability

• Coping with self-defeating behavior 1
• Coping with self-defeating behavior 2

Other optional topics:

• Bullying
• Code of conduct
• Dress code
• Leadership
• Anger management
• Accountability
• Prom
• Driving

• Organization (Quarter 1): The first quarter is dedicated to helping students begin to focus on issues of organization. Topics could include setting group rules, time management, and goal setting. Resources such as the student handbook have been linked to provide information to students about school rules and policies, extra sources for academic assistance, clubs, sports, etc.
• Academic (Quarter 2): The second quarter is dedicated to supporting students in academic success. Topics in the second quarter could include learning styles, how to calculate a GPA, graduation requirements, and how to study.
• Social (Quarter 3): The third quarter focuses on encouraging students to communicate more effectively. Suggested topics include anger management, how to manage stress, accountability, leadership, social media, and manners.
• Transition (Quarter 4): Finally, the theme of transition is intended to help students focus on planning for the following year and beyond. The suggested topics include course selection, resume building, interviewing skills, and how to complete a job application.
• Additional Resource Links: Handbooks, Websites, etc