Getting the Most Out of Middle School

1. Getting the Most Out of Middle School Doris Dickerson – 7th Grade Science Rebecca Nadeau – 7th Grade Reading

2. Getting the Most out of Middle School The importance of attendance How to get good grades Get Involved Make good choices Dealing with stress, anger, and bullies Understanding the social scene Tips for parents

3. The Importance of Attendance In order to be successful in class it is important to have regular attendance Students who miss class must turn in a note from parents or a doctor to the front office Parents may also call the attendance secretary on the day of an absence Students who are ill should check It’s Learning to keep up with missed work. It is better to complete work while out than to try to make-up all the work when the student returns. If a student has more than 10 absences they are no longer eligible for the field trip to Rock Eagle.

4. How to Get Good Grades Pay attention in class Keep up with homework and turn it in on time Study a little bit each day Keep track of assignments in agenda Log onto ItsLearningevery day to check for assignments Ask for help before its too late

5. Get Involved • Otwell Middle School offers students many ways to get involved: • Athletics • Clubs • Band • Drama • Volunteer opportunities • Community service Being involved can really help a student feel connected and happy throughout the middle school years

6. Make Good Choices • In middle school students will have to make many choices. It is important to develop good decision making skills when faces with a difficult decision. • 1) Figure out what your choices are • 2) Write down the positives and negatives for each • 3) Make sure you have all the information • 4) Think about your choices, and then make your decision Don’t ever do something that doesn’t feel right and learn to say “no” or even better “no thanks”.

7. Dealing with Stress, Anger, and Bullies • In middle school things can be more difficult both academically and socially. • Ideas to help with stress: read a book, listen to music, play sports, or take a walk. • How to deal with anger: do something physical, take a deep breath and count to 10, talk to a friend, parent, or counselor.

8. Understanding the Social Scene Friendships are very important in middle school (quality vs. quantity can be a good guide to follow) Students care about what other students do and wear (everyone is worried about how they look) Gossip and drama will take place during the middle school years. Being prepared and learning how to handle this ahead of time can be helpful. *Learn to not take things too seriously and how to let things go are important survival skills.

9. Tips for Parents • Middle school is a time of change and students go through lots of ups and downs. These tips will help you guide your middle school student: • Help your child with organization (backpack, homework, notes etc.) • Encourage your child to get involved in school activities • Stress the importance of attendance • Attend open houses and parent conferences • Know your child’s grades (ItsLearning) • Set limits for technology and television at home • Look for opportunities to praise your child’s good grades and efforts

10. Make school a top priority! Nothing is more important to your child’s future than education.