40 Funny School Memes For Students – SayingImages.com

Part 1:

Parents’ cooperation is needed to achieve the overall goals of guiding and educating the students. Sometimes, the parents do not want to get involved; after working long hours and commuting home, the last thing parents would want to do is help their children with their schoolwork. As a teacher, you would need to engage with the parents as much as your students. Parents are the experts in their own children, teachers are the expert educators (Borovoy, 2012). Teamwork on both fronts is needed to help guide students to learn. By persuading parents to help, they can provide feedback so a student can have a detailed, personalized achievement plan. To build a supportive relationship, learning the parent’s names and introducing yourself as their teacher can break the ice. Distribute a survey at the beginning of the year (if parents don’t read/write in English, students can interview them and relay their answers). Find out what parents know about and what skills they have (Aguilar. 2011). Furthermore, by becoming interested in the cultural diversity of each student, you can grasp the parent’s attention by establishing direct contact either through email, website, or an app.

Maintaining an active website is another excellent way to keep parents engaged in the classroom. More passive than emails and remind, your frequently updated website is always waiting there for parents to find information when they need it instead of making them wait for your next email or text message. (Family Engagement: Resource, 2010) Some parents would like to become aware of the child’s progress during the school year. Other parents, not so much, but that does not mean you would not send an email or lose contact with them, but rather still be readily available for when the time comes.

The Board of Education meeting was very engaging with the parents and students who were impacted by the data breach. The Information Technology director provided detailed instructions on the problem and addressed each worry or concerns for each impacted individual who attended the meeting. In addition, the Board of Education provided next steps to resolve the issue and several communication channels for any further questions.

Part 2:

Efficient channels of communication are necessary with parents. When instructing elementary students and talking to parents about their progress, I would use Class Dojo. I would like to use my time efficiently because not all parents work 9 to 5, and it can be hard to find time to meet in person to discuss the student’s progress. Class Dojo can supplement the lessons taught throughout the school year and provide an update on the student’s achievement as well as keeping record of conference meetings. There is a tab under “sidekick” where you can add conference notes, lesson plan, Behavior intervention plan, and report card comments. I would add another communication channel like google sites but initially using Class Dojo would be the best.

References:

Aguilar, E. (2011, September 23). 20 Tips for Developing Positive Relationships with Parents. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/20-tips-developing-positive-relationships-parents-elena-aguilarLinks to an external site.

Borovoy, A.E. (2012, November 2). 5-Minute Film Festival: Parent-Teacher Partnerships. Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/blog/film-festival-parent-teacher-partnerships

Family Engagement: Resource Roundup (2010, July 14). Edutopia. https://www.edutopia.org/home-school-connections-resources

Vestal’s 21st Centory Classroom (2021, August 22).  9 Ways to Communicate with Parents for Teachers // INCREASE parent communication! YouTube. https://youtu.be/8aHJkRXgbcE

Download this awesome wallpaper – Wallpaper Cave

Social media is harmful to the growth of the youth which impacts their mental health. Some issues are anxiety, depression, bullying, and insecurities which can lead to their overall decline. Cellphones among other devices are the most used to access different social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter and TikTok. Cellphones should be banned from school because they serve as a distraction especially when learning. In addition to information and alerts, a student can buy various products online whether it is new make-up or clothes. Another issue is cyberbullying that comes with different platforms. Cyberbullying can cause youths and even adults to take their own lives as it becomes severe.

Cellphones cause young people to become like zombies and impact their rational thinking. People get a constant notification and develop a bond to their accounts or online presence. It has a grip on me while being with my fiancée and I always bring out the phone and need to check something, checking messages, Facebook, or WhatsApp group. People become addicted and cannot be in the present moment (Willett, 2019). They become disillusioned with their online profiles and can develop disorders. Now, as teenagers are becoming addicted, they start to believe they have to appear or look for a certain way to get more likes or receive more clout to expand their online presence. Rates of depression and anxiety have increased by 70% in the past 20 years. In the past 3 years teenagers with eating disorders have almost doubled (Willet, 2019). This increase in mental disorders can lead to worse addictions and eventually they succumb to mental breakdowns. Also, cellphones also lead to a new disorder which is yet to be studied, FOMO (Fear of missing out). The constant need to uncover a new thing or follow a new trend takes away from the time that they need to learn in school. This can lead to mood swings or retaliation against teachers. Teachers must use drastic measures or sometimes must fight for the student’s attention in achieving their daily objective.

Teachers and parents are trying to battle cellphone usage and limit them which causes friction or tense situations. So why should the average parent worry about this scientific controversy? Because, Keyes says, when parents simply demonize phones, “there’s less of a communications channel” about what teens are encountering online. A parent’s opportunity to mentor or support positive uses of media is replaced by “confrontation on a day-to-day basis.” (Kamenetz. 2019) As parents try to take away the cellphone and other devices, they receive backlash and retaliation from the teenager, instead of limiting the cellphone usage. Also, trying to hold the platform responsible seems like the logical next step. As they are aware of their platforms’ influence on youths, congress should implement legislature to change the algorithm of each platform to not expose their consumers to graphic or violent media. To this end, grieving families have pleaded with congress to take action, talking about their children who have been lost to the harms of social media. Five Teachers and paraprofessionals have sounded the alarm, warning about the impact of social media platforms on the ability of schools to educate students. (Likes vs Learning, 2023) Another way to battle cellphones as a distraction would to take them away. However, one school has a better idea. Principal Hillary Hienton explains the gray fabric pouches, designed by a company called Yondr, magnetically lock. Students unlock them at a magnet station at the end of the day. (Cohen 2024) They lock the phones into pouches which do not open until they reach a magnet station. Even though the students do not have access to them. The students would not retaliate in comparison to taking their phones away during school as they are no longer in their possession.

In conclusion, cellphones and social media have become a problem where it impacts the health of the user. From the student’s perspective, it has become a necessity which they must rely on social media usage to gain followers, become famous, and amass popularity. From the teacher’s perspective, it does not serve any purpose for students to use cellphones in school and serves as an obstacle. Parents have become involved as they have seen firsthand the changes in their child’s mood. Most likely, a total ban on cellphone use in school would lean towards the optimal way, it would lead to public dismay and may cause an even worse issue than today. However, teachers and parents would need to work together to achieve their objective for the better future of the student.

References:

Cohen, Rachel (2024, August 29). As more schools ban cell phones, this is how it’s working at one Colorado school. NPR. https://www.npr.org/2024/08/29/nx-s1-5093778/as-more-schools-ban-cell-phones-this-is-how-its-working-at-one-colorado-school

Kamenetz, A. (2019, August 27). NPR’s The Scientific Debate over Teens, Screens, and Mental Health. National Public Radio. Link

Likes vs. Learning: The Real Cost of Social Media for Schools. (2023). American Federation of Teachers. https://www.aft.org/sites/default/files/media/documents/2023/LikesVSLearning_Report.pdfLinks to an external site.

Willett, R. (Director). (2019). Plugged-In: The Toxicity of Social Media Revealed. [YouTube Video]. Brick in the Wall Media.

E-cigs and Vapes have a highly addictive chemical called nicotine. As it has become a growing concern among young adults, it should be taught to students at an early age as well. The lesson plan is to teach the harmful effects of vaping and discourage them from even trying. As e-cigs and vapes can lead to potentially bigger risks in their health or worse trying actual cigarettes.

Strengths and Weaknesses:

The strengths are the main objectives for the lesson to achieve understanding. By the end, students can identify the issues with vaping and the chemicals in them. Also, it debunks a myth that vaping consists of water vapor only. Another point the lesson plan made was about the effects of the vapes and e-cigs on someone’s health. It covers diseases and decrease functions due to the vapes. If a student is trying to become an athlete and compete, they should learn about the cause and effects of nicotine products.

The weaknesses are on slide 7 and 8 would need to change due to the students age group that will be teaching would need to be simplified. Some students do not know about brain chemistry, nicotine, and tobacco products. Students would not be interested in all the chemicals in the vapor, only a few to relate to them. Another weakness lies in the effectiveness of the overall lesson plan, it should be able to capture the target audience’s attention and can be made more interactive.

Improvements:

I would improve the lesson to gear this to my target audience. A young student would not be interested in all the chemicals or the tobacco industry. However, the effect on the human body is interesting and how it impacts their growing bodies. I would try different approaches in relating harmful effects of vaping to kids, like how it would affect a loved one, family member or their pet. Most of these slides can be eliminated or made simpler so that their young minds can grasp the concept of e-cigs and vapes. At certain points, I would have engaged activities to ensure they understand the effects. The objectives would need to change as well, something simpler or added objective about peer pressure. Like the previous study, these results suggest that teens using e-cigarettes are at a greater risk for smoking cigarettes in the future.⁴ Another study has shown an association between e-cigarette smoking and progression to smoking actual cigarettes.⁵ This study suggests that vaping nicotine might actually encourage cigarette smoking in adolescents. (Vaping Devices (Electronic)) I feel that socialization is important as there are growing trends and young students are impressionable. Ultimately, you want to discourage them from trying vapes and explaining the harmful effects to avoid serious risks.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, educating young students about the dangers of e-cigarettes and vapes is crucial in preventing future nicotine addiction and promoting healthier lifestyle choices. By simplifying complex concepts, focusing on relatable examples, and incorporating interactive activities, educators can better engage their audience and help them understand the harmful effects of vaping. Highlighting the impact on their growing bodies, athletic performance, and even loved ones can leave an impression. Additionally, addressing peer pressure and emphasizing the risks of cigarette smoking are essential in guiding students to make informed decisions. By improving the lesson plan to be more age-appropriate, clear, and engaging, educators can effectively convey the message that vaping poses serious risks and should be avoided to ensure long-term well-being.

Reference:

Halpern-Felsher REACH Lab. (n.d.). Safety First – Lesson 6.

https://med.stanford.edu/halpern-felsher-reach-lab/preventions-interventions/Safety-First/safety-first-lesson-6.html

Vaping Devices (Electronic Cigarettes) Drugfacts. National Institute on Drug Abuse. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/drugfacts/vaping-devices-electronic-cigarettes

What is Mindfulness? (A Quick 6-Step Mindfulness Meditation)

Here is a link to my video.

https://molloy.instructuremedia.com/embed/8b7c1c94-69f0-49fc-8f98-ca7cedda374f

References:

Long, R. (director/ producer). (2012) Room To Breathe [film]. ZAP Zoetrope Aubry Productions.

Schwartz, K. (2019). Nine ways to ensure your mindfulness teaching is trauma informed. KQED Mindshift. Links to an external site.

Social Emotional Learning (2022, November 14). New York State Department of Education. https://www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/selLinks to an external site.

Zimmerman, Alex. (2023, January 26). Mayor Eric Adams promises mental telehealth support for all NYC high school students. www.chalkbeat.org  https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2023/1/26/23573371/eric-adams-telehealth-mental-health-support-nyc-high-school-students/

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Homelessness cannot be circumvented due to issues or situations; but given support and resources, the child or young adult wants to learn and succeed. In addition, even though there are resources, the programs and shelters are overpopulated and in desperate need of additional funding or decrease of the overall homeless population. Youths feel that they can only depend on themselves and do not have a support group or friends to help them. However, they still try to work and improve their situation. They persevere and try to lift themselves out of homelessness. From an emotional perspective, kids do not want to reach out due to the stigma of being homeless. Imagine telling a friend or peer that there is no home to return to, it is an uncomfortable conversation and avoided at all costs. As a future teacher, a teacher would have to identify when a student is having trouble at home by asking, observing, and researching if the student is homeless.

Students who have help or a network strive to succeed. However, when displaced, their grades are affected to no fault of their own. In the video, Roque was a homeless student who lived with his teacher and suffered with missing school for 3 months which affected his GPA and ultimately restricted his ability to attend any college. He had a strong support network which allowed him to attend Northeastern Illinois University. (De Mare, 2014) In Roque situation, he found support and help from his teacher where he resides. He shows enthusiasm and passion to continue school because he wants to learn. Another troubled youth, Anthony who was homeless since he was fourteen had no one to rely on except for himself, he stayed at the shelter, Belfort House and with help from his liaison, he was able get his General Equivalency Degree (GED). (De Mare, 2014). In Anthony’s case, he had support to get his degree and went to further training to improve his quality of life. It was proven in both cases that given resources and training, both Roque and Anthony achieved their goals.

Students experiencing homelessness face unique barriers beyond poverty, such as frequent school transfers, lack of transportation, lack of a fixed address for enrollment, and the stigma and fear of homelessness (What is EHCY?)  When students experience homelessness, it takes a toll on their mental health and their schoolwork suffers. Also, the shelters and programs are overwhelmed by the number of homeless kids. Also, sometimes the shelters lose their funding, adding to the problem. Between SYs 2004-05 and 2020-21, the number of students who experienced homelessness increased by 63%. The number of students identified as homeless increased by an average of 4% annually during that same period of time. (National Center for, 2022) There is an increase in homelessness which leads to more shelters causing a problem with funds. It creates a domino effect where if there are more shelters than the funding then the funds are spread thinly, which can lead to more taxes or canceling other programs to allocate more funds. Homelessness needs to be cut from the root.

The education system has to conform and adhere to the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). The ESSA basically outlines that homeless students cannot be treated any differently and receive the same opportunities as their peers. Also, the McKinney – Vento Act has guidelines in which assists the State Education Agency (SEA) and Local Education Agency (LEA) to help identify students who are homeless and how to be treated. The act further address what qualifies a student to be homeless, address their living situation and provide transportation when needed. For each school district, there is a liaison to assist the students and families to enroll into school and provide transportation to and from school. The act goes into details about homelessness, treatment of the student and appeal process to qualify for the benefits of the act.

Even if there is funding for homelessness it is not enough as homelessness continues to rise among students. That formula, known as Foundation Aid, was implemented in 2007, and sends about $24.9 billion to school districts — including more than $9.5 billion to New York City schools. As part of a state budget agreement earlier this year, the Rockefeller Institute is currently conducting a study on how to revise the formula and will issue recommendations by Dec. 1. (Shen-Berro, 2024) In New York $9.5 billion was given to NYC schools and students were still homeless. The programs which rely on the funding cannot be sustained. If the programs fail, then homelessness will skyrocket. Hence, a dilemma arises where schools must identify potential risks and address them faster according to Mc-Kinney Vento Act. Schools and the liaisons must be informed and aware.

The song I picked was the “Man in the Mirror.” This song perfectly outlines the problem of society and addressing a solution. If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself and then make a change (Jackson, Micheal, 1988) Not everyone rises, not everyone succeeds, but by coming together to create a solution to homelessness, everyone can make a difference.

In conclusion, homelessness creates a stigma that only certain people are homeless, it is easy to judge a person’s character without knowing the circumstance. Young adults may feel lost and believe no one will help them. However, there are programs and shelters where they can regroup, gather their thoughts, and rise beyond homelessness. Shelters and schools lacking funds to battle homelessness need to be addressed.

Reference:

De Mare, A., Kelly, K., & Taber, K. (Producers), & De Mare, A., & Kelly, K. (Directors). (2014). The homestretch [Streaming video]. United States: Bullfrog Films.

Jackson, Michael, (1988). Man in the mirror. https://genius.com/Michael-jackson-man-in-the-mirror-lyrics

Mc-Kinney Vento Homeless Education. (2021). New York State Education Department. http://www.nysed.gov/essa/mckinney-vento-homeless-education

National Center for Homeless Education. (2022). Student Homelessness in America School Years 2018-19 to 2020-21. Student Homelessness in America (ed.gov)Links to an external site.

Shen-Berro, Julian.1 in 8 NYC students experienced homelessness last year, a record high. (2024) www.chalkbeat.org. https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2024/11/18/nyc-homeless-students-hit-record-high-last-school-year/

What is EHCY? (2025). School House Connection. https://schoolhouseconnection.org/article/2025-fact-sheet-educating-children-and-youth-experiencing-homelessness#:~:text=2022%2D2023%20School%20Year,school%20closures%20in%20the%20pandemic.

The disorder I picked was Social Anxiety. So, symptoms can be described as dizziness and lightheadedness and fear public settings or interacting with people. Teachers must recognize these symptoms and properly address them. A treatment to social anxiety would be to create interactive exercises or group projects to deal with it. By creating this slide I learned about social anxiety, identifying the symptoms and treatments. This will help me become a successful teacher when I help my students.

References:

ADHD and Social Anxiety – Edge Foundation

Images may be subject to copyright. Learn More

Conditions. (n.d.). National Alliance on Mental Health. Links to an external site.

Social anxiety disorder — sometimes known as social phobia — is a type of anxiety disorder that causes anxiety or fear in social settings. www.healthline.com.  https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/social-phobiac

Social Anxiety Factsheet (for Schools). www.rchsd.org. https://www.rchsd.org/health-article/social-anxiety-factsheet-for-schools/

Help to Stop Cyberbullying – OIT Cybersecurity

cyberbullying.png (830×552)

https://molloy.instructuremedia.com/embed/755bb3aa-4675-4e5b-9c9a-2742726100c9

Here is a link to my blog.

References

Dupej, H. & Embry, M. (2020). Dark cloud: The high cost of cyberbullying. TELUS Wise.

Tips for Teachers: Warning Signs a Child is Being Cyberbullied or is Cyberbullying. (2021, May 21). stopbullying.gov. https://www.stopbullying.gov/cyberbullying/tips-for-teachers

Remarkable’ girl, 12, commits suicide over cyberbullying, leaves family distraught: ‘Children are lost in social media. (2025, January 2). NYPost.com https://nypost.com/2025/01/02/world-news/remarkable-girl-12-commits-suicide-over-cyberbullying-leaves-family-distraught-children-are-lost-in-social-media/

Wilkey Oh, E. (2019, March 25). Teachers’ Essential Guide to Cyberbullying Prevention. Common Sense Education. https://www.commonsense.org/education/articles/teachers-essential-guide-to-cyberbullying-prevention

Anonymous tip lines in schools prevent some gun violence, study finds …

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• Gender Diversity Around the World

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  Image may be subject to copyright.

Gender identity for young people is important to them as social media. They want to express themselves and their feelings. In contrast, if someone bottled up their emotions it may lead a person to feel alone, in denial to be true to themselves and afraid of backlash from either family, friends or the public. For example, Matthew Shepherd in “The Laramie project” was ostracized and discriminated because of his sexual orientation. Discrimination is real and harsh, public awareness and education is important to the present and the future. Being labeled is difficult and being unique is even more so difficult. The individual may feel lost as well in trying to find out who they really are, whether they like boys or girls or both, whether the individual identifies as a boy or girl or does not conform to any of the traditional based orientation assigned at birth. They would seek help from various sources, but one big resource should be school. Most of your young natural life is spent at school.

Young adults may not want to come out as different than their peers. They face backlash and seek approval from the adults closest to them. “Parents may become concerned when what they believed to be a “phase” does not pass. Parents of gender-nonconforming children may need to work with schools and other institutions to address their children’s particular needs and ensure their children’s safety. It is helpful to consult with mental health and medical professionals familiar with gender issues in children to decide how to best address these concerns.” (Understanding transgender people, gender identity and gender expression , 2023) Adolescents look for guidance to make their decisions easier. Parents do not address it and ignore their children cry for help as a phase. However, parents want their kids to open-up and speak out about their concerns. This would create an ideal environment for their children to have a strong foundation for support which would alleviate mental burden and negative thoughts.

In addition, mental health may face decline due to several factors. Young adults who find help and support groups have better mental health. “Roughly half of transgender and nonbinary young people found their school to be gender-affirming, and those who did reported lower rates of attempting suicide.”  (The Trevor Project , 2023) When a support system is strong and available, it could lead to better results.

Gender diversity should be taught in high school. The difference is the emotional maturity of teenagers versus children. If you think about it, as you enter college, are you more developed now or before? Looking at a child’s perspective, they are not aware of the world as much as a teenager. “As you’re understanding your identity, and as you’re going to explore it, we want to be the place that gives you a lot of time, and a lot of space, and a lot of support for you to stumble through it,” said Florence, a long-time educator who would serve as Head of School at Miss Major Middle.” (Shen-Berro, 2024) In New York, a charter school is planning to become a LGBTQ+ affirming middle school which I feel is rather young. But if this creates a strong support foundation for their mental health then I would provide support.

Reference

Kaufman, M. (Director). (2000). The Laramie Project [Motion Picture]

Shen-Berro, J. (2024, July 11). Proposed NYC charter hopes to become second LGBTQ+

affirming middle school in nation. Retrieved from www.chalkbeat.org:

https://www.chalkbeat.org/newyork/2024/07/11/proposed-nyc-middle-school-seeks-to-support-lgbtq-students/ (A proposed NYC middle school wants to support LGBTQ+ students – Chalkbeat)

The Tzevor Project. (2023,). Retrieved from 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/survey-2023/

Understanding transgender people, gender identity and gender expression . (2023, March 9). Retrieved from American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/topics/lgbtq/transgender-people-gender-identity-gender-expression

Hello, welcome to my blog. My name is Alexis Triola, I’m in a 5-year program with childhood and special education major concentrating in mathematics. I’ve had a lot of experience with kids, I currently babysit, tutor in the summer, and I work at a summer camp. One boring fact about me is that I enjoy cooking.