Dr. David Causey, PhD, from Square One is a licensed clinical psychologist with over twenty years of experience. Dr. Causey recently spoke to our faculty about recognizing regulatory challenges in struggling students and implementing strategies that increase success. One of the topics about which he spoke is how electronic screens affect the brain as well as students’ learning readiness. I wanted to share some of his presentation with you.

Electronic Screen Syndrome (ESS) is the process of cognitive, behavioral, and mood dysregulation caused by neurological overstimulation due to excess exposure to/ use of electronics and electronic screens. Simple definition: overuse of electronics inflames the brain which causes diminished daily functioning and adjustment.

Parts of the brain that are most adversely impacted, such as the frontal lobe and prefrontal cortex, are those that we rely most on to function effectively in daily life (i.e., executive function skills). On the surface, our kids may exhibit – mental and physical fatigue, declining motivation, lowered interest in normal daily activities, anxiety, irritability, and even anger / rage. Chronic “hyperarousal” (such as that seen with stress) causes chronically elevated cortisol which then impacts mood, cognition, hormones, health, and energy. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in addiction (in general) including electronic addiction.

What are the possible consequences to functioning?

Excessive electronics/screen use causes declining or “hijacked” - executive function skills
Excessive electronics/screen use causes weakening / regression of cognitive skills
Excessive electronics/screen use causes dysregulation of mood and behavior
Excessive electronics/screen use can be associated with declining social functioning (e.g., can cause/magnify symptoms of autism)
Excessive electronics/screen use is associated with / causes declining physical health (sleep, hormones, energy, weight)
Chronic video game use can cause severe and “scary” consequences: visual and auditory hallucinations

What are possible solutions?- It is possible to make changes that can “heal” the brain and body and restore their health and well-being.

positive parental “modeling”,
“attention restoration” - limit use to 30-45 minutes at a time, then take a break (especially effective in nature/ go outside)
electronics level / incentive system
activities “jar”
parental control devices

In this day and age, electronics are very much a part of our life. However, too much time on screens can lead to addiction and changes in behavior. It is all about balance. Children need adults in their lives to help them make healthy choices.

Have a great weekend,

Lara Krill

Principal

UPCOMING EVENTS

CSW Auction

Back by popular demand- Catholic Schools Week auction is now open! Items include class pottery and teacher experiences. Bidding will be through GiveSmart and end Friday, February 2 at 8 p.m. Donations will be accepted until Monday, February 5. Proceeds will benefit tuition assistance. If we meet our goal of $15,000, Mrs. Krill will kiss a pig!

Auction Website

Souper Bowl of Caring

As we celebrate Catholic Schools Week and Super Bowl LVIII, students are invited to bring in hearty canned soup to donate to Fern Creek United Ministries food pantry. Collection will be January 29- February 9. Let's show our community how much we care!

P-T-S Conferences

Parent-Teacher-Student conferences will be held on Thursday, February 15th from 8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. In-person conferences are preferred, but virtual will be an option.

Conference scheduling sheets will be sent home today. Please return these by Tuesday, February 6th.

Book Fair

The Scholastic Book Fair is back! Book fair will be available for in-person and virtual shopping. In-person shopping will be February 12th-15th.

Parents can set up an eWallet for your child(ren). You and family members can contribute to the eWallet and your child(ren) doesn't need to bring cash!

If you can’t make it to the Fair, then shop at our school’s Online Book Fair. All orders ship directly to your home, and shipping is free for book orders over $25. Your online orders will also benefit our school.

The countdown to more Bookjoy is on! Visit the book fair homepage at https://bookfairs.scholastic.com/bf/stgabrielarchangelschool.

Kindergarten Love Program

Come join and watch Kindergarten perform their annual Valentine’s Love Program!

When: Monday, February 12th

Doors open at 9:30 am, show begins at 10:00 am

Where: St. Gabriel Church

Who: All parishioners, widows and widowers

HIGHLIGHTS

Congratulations, Mrs. Adams!

Mrs. Susan Adams is the 2024 Angel Award winner. The Angel Award recognizes a Saint Gabriel School employee who serves as a role model and is a positive influence in our community. Alums, current parents, past parents, students, faculty, and staff were invited to nominate a current administrator, faculty, or staff member who has made a significant difference in their lives. Thank you, Mrs. Adams, for all you do for our community!

Your Voice Matters! Taher Survey

Taher would like to know what you think of school lunch. Please complete this survey!

Click here to complete survey

PTSO Mother-Son Event

Save the date! Mother-son event will be April 27, 2024. Please contact ashleyetinius@gmail.com if interested volunteering or planning this event.

CLOSINGS/ DELAYED OPENINGS Policy

Since Friday, 1/19/24 was a snow day, distance learning will begin on the next snow day! Click here for more information about distance learning.

When weather conditions cause school openings to be questionable, one of the following announcements will be made for the Catholic Elementary Schools in Jefferson County.

“All Catholic Elementary Schools in Jefferson County are open” – Saint Gabriel is open.
“Catholic Elementary Schools in Jefferson County will be open, but on a delayed schedule.” Saint Gabriel will be on a two-hour delay. Buses will run two hours late. Doors will open at 9:25 a.m. for student arrival. Students are not allowed in before this time. Classes will start at 10:00 a.m. Dismissal will be at regular time – 2:45 p.m.
“All Catholic Schools in Jefferson County are closed.” – Saint Gabriel is closed. In the case that Saint Gabriel is closed, Saint Gabriel Preschool will make every effort to offer full-day care for registered participants. Notification will be sent separately.

All morning activities, including detention, are cancelled for that day. Detention will be served the following scheduled day. You will also be notified via the Saint Gabriel Reach Alert program. It is the parent’s responsibility to sign up for Reach Alert and to make any changes to their account.

We will have 1 regular snow day before Distance Learning days start. You will be notified via the Saint Gabriel Reach Alert program.

NEW: Updates on campus closures and delays can be found here: www.gabrielweather.com

Bingo Volunteers

Bingo is one of our largest fundraisers. Funds are used to offer tuition assistance and capital projects. A schedule for this year has been created to assist with staffing volunteers. Please sign up using NEW LINK: Sign Up Genius

Feb. 7, 8- 2WV

Feb. 14, 15- 1AD

Feb. 21, 22- 1DY

View schedule

Are you planning to volunteer or attend a school event this year?

Field Trip chaperones and special event volunteers need to have a background check on file and have attended the Safe Environment Training. For more information, visit https://www.stgabriel.net/background. Not sure if we have your information? Contact background@stgabriel.net. To view upcoming Honor Thy Child trainings, visit https://www.archlou.org/about-the-archdiocese/archdiocesan-policies-guidelines-and-handbooks/restoringtrust/safe/. Background checks and safe environment training refresher must be completed every five years.

Save the Dates

February 12-15- Book Fair
Febrary 13- Valentine's Parties @ 1:45 p.m. (K-3)- setup begins @ 1:30 p.m.
Febrary 15- Parent-Teacher-Student Conferences
Febrary 16-18- Winter Break- NO SCHOOL
March 8- Eat Lunch With Your Child Day
April 11- Grandparents Day (8th)
April 13- Confirmation
May 14- 8th Grade Graduation

From the Parish

Trivia Night

Let the games begin. Register your Trivia Team today. First come, first serve. Up to forty tables will be sold. Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 16th.

News You Can Use Website

Saint Gabriel the Archangel Catholic School(502) 239-5535 | school@stgabriel.net | School Website | Parish Website

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