1. Welcome to Wilson Middle School

2. Who are your administrators & counselors  Principal: Dr. Coulter  Assistant Principal 8 th & 6 th A-L: Mrs. Saavedra  Counselor 8 th & 6 th A-L: Dr. Makijan  Assistant Principal 7 th & 6 th M-Z: Dr. Bruich  Counselor 7 th & 6 th M-Z: Mrs. Gharakhanian  Teacher Specialist: Ms. Hacopian

3. Counselors are here to help you succeed Personal/Social: Crying, peer pressure, bullying, self- esteem, organization, goal setting, stress, time management, self-awareness. Academic: Questions about grades, how to set goals to improve grades, where are you now with your progress. College/Career: Where are you going? High school planning, post high school planning and career exploration. Wilson Middle School Counselors follow the American School Counselor Association (ASCA) National Standards

4. Get involved! Studies have found that students that get involved in school activities (clubs, sports, social events) do much better academically and are more motivated.

5. How To Improve Your Grades  Be sure to complete all of your assignments.  Get help each Tuesday-Thursday from 3:00-4pm in the Homework Lab in room 1223.  Write down your assignments in your Binder Reminder, and have your parents check them each day.  Ask your teachers how you are doing, and come in after school, at lunch, or during snack (whenever the teacher is available) to ask questions.  Pick a “study buddy” in each class to call if you are absent, or if you just want to study together.  Work together (parent and student) on homework, studying for tests, etc. in a quiet environment each night, if possible.  Be sure to check the Parent & Student Connect to make sure all of your assignments are complete.

6. Let’s investigate your career interests Using the Holland Magic Six we will investigate your interests and look at possible career options.

7. Set “ SMART ” Goals S=Specific M=measurable A=actionable R=relevant T=timely SMART Goals should be both short term (achieved in the near future) and long term (achieved over a long period of time).

8. What are your goals? Write down 1 short term goals for the semester/year. Write down 1 long term goals for high school and beyond (college/career).

9. Stay Motivated Think Positively! Accept responsibility for motivating yourself! Accept the fact that success results from effort! Reward yourself appropriately after completing a goal, task, etc.

10. To summarize… Set Up a Schedule Start Studying for 10 – 15 Minutes at a Time and Then Build Up to Longer Periods Take Breaks Reward Yourself Find a Good Location Use the Same Place for Studying Read and Listen Effectively

11. Messages for students  Be respectful to EVERYONE  Study for tests and quizzes  Don’t believe everything you hear (gossip, he said/she said, drama)  Do your BEST always!  Take advantage of opportunities (join clubs, activities, etc.)  Have a good attitude and know when to ask for help if you are struggling  Keep your eye on the prize!