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ENDURING MIDDLE SCHOOL. INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL. PARENT FORUM Presented by Middle School Counselors ; Debra Day, Karen Foster, Jolene Johnson, Kim Harding, Renae Perez and Heather Youngquist. Definition : ADOLESCENT
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ENDURING MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL PARENT FORUM Presented by Middle School Counselors ; Debra Day, Karen Foster, Jolene Johnson, Kim Harding, Renae Perez and Heather Youngquist
Definition : ADOLESCENT “A teenager who acts like a baby when you don’t treat him like an adult” …VayrVaist ENDURING MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
The way they learn, feel, see the world, and relate to other people becomes different. These changes along with demands from present-day society and peer pressure, create conflicts and tension which is reflected in their behavior. • Adolescents have high levels of physical and emotional energy, which may contrast with long periods of idleness. • Middle Schoolers will take more risks , are curious, and love danger and adventure, yet their feelings can be hurt easily. They feel “grown-up”, but they worry a lot about what their peers think about them. What are Middle Schoolers Like INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
They long to be independent from their families, and at the same time, they need to be pampered and protected. • Middle schoolers withdraw and want a private life, and at the same time worry about being accepted by their peers. • They demand privileges but avoid responsibilities What are Middle Schoolers Like INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
MIDDLE SCHOOL BASICS • School Calendar • Attendance Policy • Coursework / Scheduling • Testing Information • Bullying ENDURING MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
School Calendar • Use of Agenda Book • Marking Deadlines • Communication Tool ENDURING MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
Attendance Policies • Tardies • 3 tardies = compulsory attendance letter • 6 tardies = start of tardy contract & 3 • lunch detentions • 9 tardies = after school detention • 12 tardies = ISS • 15 tardies = truancy charges filed with court • Notes / Excuses ENDURING MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
Students can re-test for a 70% grade • Grading for Re-doing Work due to failure (69 and below) – Students shall be allowed a reasonable opportunity to redo a class assignments or examinations (daily quizzes, unit tests, etc.) for which the student received a failing grade. Final examinations are excluded from re-doing because they are cumulative in nature. Our district purpose for students redoing tests, quizzes and assignments is to support student mastery learning of course objectives. In order to support student learning, teachers will provide appropriate interventions for students before they re-do work. If a student is given the opportunity to re-do work, the student can make no more than a 70 on the work. RETESTING INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
At the beginning of each grading period, help your child set realistic goals • Use FamilyAccess to keep abreast of grades • Sign up for e-alerts. • Make sure your child knows that you expect him/her to be in school and on time, every day. COURSEWORK / SCHEDULING INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
Make sure your child has a place to study . Keep necessary supplies in an organized fashion at home. This will promote /model keeping their binder/locker organized. • If your child is struggling in a class, have him/her attend tutoring, have a face-to face conference with the teacher and then speak with the school counselor. COURSEWORK / SCHEDULING INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
Standardized Testing • 7th Grade • TAKS Writing – March 1, 2011 • TAKS Math -- April 26, 2011 • TAKS Reading – April 27, 2011 • Orleans Hanna – January 19, 2011 • EOC Science -- April 28,2011 • Benchmark • Simulation ENDURING MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
Standardized Testing • 8th Grade • TAKS Math – April 4, 2011 • TAKS Reading -- April 5, 2011 • TAKS Science – April 28, 2011 • TAKS Social Studies – April 29, 2011 • Benchmark • Simulation ENDURING MIDDLE SCHOOL INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
8th Graders MUST pass TAKS READING & MATH to be promoted to 9th grade!!! ABSOLUTELY NO COMMUNICATION DEVICES ALLOWED ON TESTING DAYS!!
Bullying Defined: General Definition in Board Policy and SCC - Written or verbal expression or physical conduct that (1) has the effect of physically harming a student, damaging a student’s property, or placing a student in reasonable fear of harm to the student’ person or of damage to the student’s property; or (2) is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive enough that the action or threat creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environments for a student. No Bullying In Allen ISD INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
STOPPING BULLYING • Listen to your child’s concerns. • Assure your child you will work with them to help find a solution. • Encourage your child not to respond with violence. • Encourage your child to ask for help and report incidents of bullying as soon as possible. • Communicate any concerns to school personnel and work together to find a solution. • Visit website for more information and to find an incident report
HELPING YOUR CHILD SUCCEED • A Place and Time to Study -- An A is not the only way • Attendance is very important • Progress and Report Cards • Improve Organization Skills • Time Management • Make homework your child's responsibility.
BEING INVOLVED = MAJOR BENEFITS • Research shows that when parents are involved in their children's education, the children are more likely to: • earn better grades. • score higher on tests. • pass their classes. • attend school regularly. • have better social skills. • show improved behavior. • be more positive in their attitude toward school. • complete homework assignments. • graduate and continue their education Students may not like your involvement, but it pays off!!
The results of recent research are very clear: When parents are actively involved in their children's education, they do better in school. The academic level of the parents, their socioeconomic level, and their ethnic or racial origin are not determining factors for academic success. It is essential for parents to have a positive attitude regarding education, and to demonstrate trust that their children can do well. Why It Is Important for Parents to be Involved INFORMTION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
DO NOT BE A HELECOPTER PARENT!!! The more our children are exposed to the small consequences of their small infractions, the less they will have to commit large infractions and experience large consequences. Hal E. Runkel
Spend time together regularly, doing things your teen enjoys • Talk openly and honestly • Use positive communication skills • Acknowledge the positive TUNE INTO YOUR TEEN INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
Do you praise your teen for accomplishments, even the small ones? • Do you spend time each day talking with your teen? • Do your regularly have meals with your teen? • Are you familiar with your teen’s favorite interests and hobbies? • Do you know your teens friends? TUNE INTO YOUR TEENQuick Self Check INFORMATION FOR SURVIVING MIDDLE SCHOOL
EXTRA HELP NEVER HURTS • Homework Club • Offered on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday • Bus transportation to the nearest Elem. campus. • Hours of Homework Club are 3:45 – 5:15 • Saturday School • Hours are 8 am until 12pm. (noon) • No Transportation is provided • Dress code is the same as during the week. • Teacher Tutoring Schedule • All teachers have their tutorial schedule posted outside their classroom doors. Also check our website. • .
MORE TIDBITS OF HELP Problem Solving GOOD ADVICE -- Talk with teen. Say “Let’s see what your teacher says”. -- Don’t follow the crowd, people will like you better if you ‘re not afraid to be you. --Don’t be hard on yourself. -- Break big projects down into simple tasks. -- Make a plan and give it time to work. Peer Conflicts -- Teach/practice with your teen to say “NO! Stop! I do not like that” -- Use the Peer Mediation process to resolve problems --Ask “Will this be as important to you in one year from now?”
REFERENCES • Middle School Parent Guidebook By Linda O’Brien • Navigating the Teen Years by American Academy of Pediatrics • "The Middle School Years: A Parents' Handbook," published in 1991 by the National Committee for Citizens in Education.)
ENDURING MIDDLE SCHOOL Thank you for attending. We invite you to visit our AISD Counseling website to learn more about our counseling program. THERE IS NOTHING SO SMALL… That it can’t be blown out of proportion!! Thank you for attending! We invite you to visit the AISD Counseling Website to learn more about our guidance program. Our next Parent Forum is November 17th at 8:45 am