1. HELPING YOUR CHILD SUCCEED IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

2. GMSS Guidance Staff Mrs. Rolf – School Counselor (6th & 7th Grades)
Mrs. Knapp–School Counselor (8th Grade)
Mrs. Santo –School Social Worker
Mr. Knewitz – Psychologist
Mrs. Gough – Speech & Language

3. Keys to Academic Success
Organization
Time Management
Prioritization
Concentration
Motivation
Preparation
Social Emotional Health

4. Organization
Binders
Travels with student to each class (may have separate binder for Math & LA)
2-Pocket 3-hole punched plastic folders
One per class, in order
Color -coordinate with notebooks
Assignment Notebook in Binder
Homework folder
Labeled To-Do/ Finished
Extra pencils and supplies in pocket
Built-in accordion folders: place to save returned work

5. Organization
Set up a calendar for weekly or bi-weekly binder cleanouts
Mark dates on the calendar
Student cleans out binder
May need assistance and/or reminder to do this
Keep a binder at home where papers are stored

6. Assignment Notebook Clear expectation that..
Every assignment/project is written down
Every exam is written down
Write down dates to study for a test at least 2 nights before
Read your assignment notebook when you sit down to do homework each night
Check off each assignment as you complete it
If you keep forgetting, get creative! Ex. Take picture of homework board

7. Time Management Designate a time and place for daily homework
Include after school activities when setting up homework schedule
Upcoming test? Mark on calendar
Study location with breaks as needed
Chunk long-term projects into smaller segments

8. Prioritization When completing homework, help your child prioritize
Use assignment notebook or have your child create a list (what is due tomorrow, in 2 days, in a week)
Create T0-Do List
What needs to be completed each night in order to finish assignments on-time
What can wait until the next night to be completed
Challenging homework first/Easiest homework last

9. Concentration Limit distractions
Siblings
Television/Cellphone
Where is the activity center of the house?
Phone, TV, and Computer off-limits during homework time.
If child needs to use computer to type a paper or complete research, turn off access to and games
Clearly state your expectations - This is Homework Time, not computer time. Monitor usage.

10. Study Skills Class Topics Covered Setting Goals Learning Styles
Studying Strategies/Study Environment
Test-Taking Strategies
Test Anxiety
Project Planning

11. Motivation
Talk about or make a list of the reasons why you want to reach the goal
Change your thoughts (“This is torture.” vs. “It will be great to learn more about..”)
Believe you can
Set a timer & reward self with a break, snack, video game, etc. for accomplishing your goal
Remove distractions or create obstacles to those distractions
Give & receive help
Make time for the process

12. Test-Taking Strategies
Prepare, prepare, prepare
Strategies based on Learning Style
Positive coping thoughts
Deep breaths
Visualize
Remember:
The goal is not A’s but Learning
Test scores do not measure your worth or your intelligence

13. Homework Difficulties
Overwhelmed by homework?
Have one assignment/materials out at a time
After finishing an assignment, put it away & check off assignment in notebook
Backpack is packed and ready to go each evening – Not in the morning
Unsure how to complete homework? Call someone in their class for assistance or the teacher
Encourage students to become independent in talking with teachers for extra support or clarification
Set goals & take breaks

14. MAP Testing Implemented MAP testing to help us gage student growth
Teacher will use the data to help drive their instruction
-Provides specific areas in both reading and math that a teacher can target
Adaptive assessment
-Gives students a more challenging question each time they answer a question correctly
Parents will receive a MAP report with the first quarter report card
-Main goal is to help you understand your child’s growth throughout the school year
MAP assessments again in January and May

15. Social Emotional Health
Balance
Developing & utilizing time-management skills
Explore new interests but balance school work with free time
Mind and Body
Mindfulness
Breathing
Healthy exercise
Proper nutrition
Sleep

16. Social Changes Friendships Conflict resolution
Common interest friendships develop
Friends becoming more important & influential
Character reminders: being kind & respectful to all; appreciate differences
Conflict resolution
Child may need guidance
Encourage addressing the situation in-person
Role play
Write out thoughts & revise

17. Remember….
COMMUNICATION
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
ENCOURAGEMENT
BALANCE