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News from
the Guidance Office………..
Darlene M. Dandurant,Guidance Counselor
Information for course selection and high school transitions CLICK HERE - Grade Course Selection Worksheet 2011-2012 CLICK HERE
Confidential Teacher Recommendation Form CLICK HERE
Ten Tips to Help Prepare Students for High School
Entering high school is an exciting time for students. They are moving into
what is often a larger school environment. This can lead to anxiety or
periods of unease. Here are some steps parents and caregivers can take to
help students start high school on a positive note.
1). Be
interested and enthusiastic about their move to high school.
Your encouragement will help your child to make a successful transition to
High School. Listen to their experiences and expectations. Don't dwell on
your own experiences of school.
2). Attend
the High School Orientation Day If your child will
be entering high school in 2004 then keep a look out for the orientation
days which high schools hold in Term 3 and 4. These days are designed to
help parents and their children prepare for starting high school. Some
children, because of pressure from their peers, will try to discourage their
parents from attending orientation days. Being there will help you
understand your child's experiences better.
Also keep a look out for other events at your child's prospective school
which may help him/her learn about what high school is like.
3). Make
sure travel arrangements to and from school are organized.
Organize travel passes. This will help settle some of the concern about
independent travel. Talk about back-up travel arrangements, for example,
what to do if a bus or train doesn't come.
4). Discuss
the changes every student will experience.
Emphasize that many people feel apprehensive about changing from a small
primary school to a larger high school, and that there will be people to
help them adjust.
5).Learn
about school routines and timetables. Talking to
student already enrolled at the school can be useful in finding out
information about things such as sporting venues used by the school and
school finishing times. The school will provide information before it's
needed.
6). Help
your child to develop good study habits. Try to
provide them with somewhere private and quiet to study. Help your child to
set aside a particular time to study. Work out a daily timetable that
incorporates all your child's needs and interests. Regularly viewed TV
programs, club activities and sport should all be part of the timetable.
Ultimately they will need to manage their own study and they can guide you
in what is helpful for them.
7). Practice
organizational skills. In the first few weeks of
high school you might want to check with your child that they have the right
books for the following day. You will quickly encourage a good habit.
8). Discuss
emergency and safety issues. Talk about these
issues - including crossing roads or taking essential medication - simply
and without emotion. Allow your child to contribute their views. Find out
who the staff are at the school who can help them if they need it on issues
such as medication.
9). Let
your child know that you trust them and that they can trust you.
Keep communication open about all your child's experiences,
and make sure they know you're available if things go wrong.
10).
Help your
child set priorities. The expectations and responsibilities of high
school will be quite different than what your child experienced in middle
school. As more and more responsibility falls upon their shoulders, help
your child evaluate the levels of importance they place upon their academic
requirements versus social activities.
The above article is from: The Public School
Parent's Network
A
Resource Guide and Information Source for Parents
Located @
http://www.psparents.net/High%20School.htm
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Transitioning to Middle School
Helping your child move on to Middle School
The start of middle school is exciting for students and parents. It is
a filled with promise and anticipation. Middle schoolers experience all
sorts of opportunities and challenges. It’s a time of tremendous growth
socially, emotionally, academically, and physically.
Parents can help make this transition a success. Children look towards
their parents for information and guidance. Most children are at least a
little concerned about starting middle school. Reassure your child that it’s
normal to have concerns about:
The building- For example, your child may wonder about getting around
a large, unfamiliar building or finding people to eat with in a large
cafeteria.
The schedule -Learning to move from class to class can be confusing
when youre just starting out.
The Teachers-Middle school students work with more than one
teacher-each with a different style and set of expectations.
The other students-Your child will encounter many new faces. Lots of
these students will be older, from other neighborhoods and elementary
schools.
Academics- Middle school often means more homework and more
challenging projects, reports and tests.
Friendships-Its common for new middle school students to be concerned
about making new friends, being apart from old friends from elementary
school and being left out if old friends move on to new friends.
You can help your child deal with any concerns and feel excited about new
challenges. Talk with your child and ease any concerns they may have.
| Ask
questions-For example, ask: What are you most excited about? What
are your worried about? How can I help most? Listen closely-
Listen for unstated feelings. Be ready to talk when your child wants to.
Give your full attention whenever you can.
Highlight the positives!- Remind your child that starting middle
school means more independence, greater opportunities in sports, music
and other activities. |
When it comes to academics here are ways you can help your middle school
student.
| Getting
organized- Many students benefit by using an academic planner for
assignments and homework. Also colored notebooks for different subjects
and three ring binders with colored dividers. Setting up a study
routine- Arrange for your child to have a consistent place to study
that is quiet and comfortable. Also a consistent time to do homework. |
Source: Channing L.Bete ,Inc. Helping Your Child Move on to Middle
School,2000.
Welcome to the Sullivan Middle School. If you have questions or concerns
regarding
your child’s transition to the middle school please feel free to
contact the Guidance Department.
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Growing Up
How Can You Be Sure to Raise a Respectful Child?
Following these easy steps can help parents raise respectful children:
· Talk to your child about respect. Point out that
everyone has rights and needs that should be respected.
· Clearly state expectations. Tell your child you
expect him to be courteous to others-regardless of race, creed, social
status or any other reason.
· Set limits on criticism of people. You might say,
"you can be angry with your brother, but you can’t scream in
his face. To respect him, you listen to his side of the story."
· Teach reasons behind manners. .Explain how not to
leave the table until everyone is finished, or not talking when
another is talking, shows respect for other people.
· Questions put downs. If your child makes fun of
someone, don’t scold. Ask how he would feel if someone made fun of
him.
· Point out disrespect. On TV or in conversations,
talk about incidents where people are prejudiced, insensitive and
unfair.
· Acknowledge respectful actions. Note what happens
when your child or someone else considers another’s feelings.
(Source: Barbara Mathias and Mary Ann French, 40 Ways to Raise a Non
racist Child, 1996; Harper Collins Publishers, Inc.)
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Give Your
Middle School Child Some New Responsibility
Parents don’t want to burden children with tasks they’re not ready
to handle. But age-appropriate chores teach children how to be
responsible.
Children need to learn to be responsible for themselves. But chores
should also teach helpfulness. They should engage children in helping
their family or others.
What’s appropriate for children your child’s age? Your child should
be able to take care of himself in these ways:
Get himself up in the morning.
Prepare his own lunch.
Wash and dry his own clothes.
Change his bed sheets.
Manage his own money.
A middle schooler should be able to help the family in these ways:
Help with projects around the house.
Baby sit.
Cook meals.
Buy groceries from a list.
Wash windows.
Wash, vacuum and wax the car.
Mow the lawn.
Help in parent’s business.
Wash dishes and mop the floor.
Water plants.
Change light bulbs.
Source: Kathryn J Kvols, Redirecting Children’s Behavior, 1998
(Parenting Press. P.O. Box 75267, Seattle, WA 98125
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