1. A Parent’s Guide to Middle School Presented by D. Alex Bergren Assistant Principal, Salem Middle School

2. Francesca Ketchum PTA

3. Chris Lawler Assistant Principal cjlawler@vbschools.com 648-5000, ext. 0 cjlawler@vbschools.com

4. Announcement Citywide MS Transition Presentation ATC Theater Wed., 8/26, 6:00 p.m. Call 263-1936 to reserve your space

5. Where are the students coming from?

6. Elementary School The environment of elementary school Protective, small, personal The expectations of elementary school Higher tolerance, smaller consequences

7. Who are they becoming?

8. PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS Rapid, erratic growth Awkward, lack of coordination Can’t sit still Bizarre eating habits Girls mature before boys Puberty begins Display mysterious energy source

9. INTELLECTUAL CHARACTERISTS More worldly and smarter than previous generation Mind changing from childlike to adult Shallow thinking powers Short attention span and disorganized Challenge authority Think in the present time

10. EMOTIONAL CHARACTERISTICS Fragile self-concept Easily embarrassed and sensitive Distractible and short attention span Pre-occupied with self Spontaneous Loud

11. SOCIAL CHARACTERISTICS Strong peer influence Need to belong to a group Need for independence Need positive strokes Resist adult authority Have multiple and short-lived interests Sensitive to criticism

12. Recipe for Disaster? The problem of adolescence and long- term thinking Physical changes Social pressures Self-consciousness … how they react and cope

13. What are they facing?

14. The Middle School Way New environment – bigger, more diverse, more impersonal New expectations – shift in responsibility Social – DRAMA!!! Academic – High Stakes Procedural – No more hand-holding

15. What do they need?

16. Survival Tools Structure, Routine, Discipline Organizational Skills –Time, Priorities, Materials Social Skills Family Support School Support – Understanding Resources –Guidance, Academic Assistance Esteem Building

17. Recipe for Success! Parents School Student

18. The Problem of Time In school – 8x180 = 60 days The rest of the time and the importance of your role The big three challenges – academic, social, procedural Don’t let go – It’s not time yet!!! What you can learn

19. Problem #1 - Lockers Buy a lock Do locker checks Simulate the process

20. Problem #2 – The New Environment Tour the school Attend Open Houses Join PTA (Where have all the parents gone?) Review the student planner; Know the Code of Conduct Volunteer … get involved … be present Sign up for the listserv (MySchool Mail) … and read your mail www.princessannems.vbschools.com

21. Problem #3 – Homework and Grades Communicate with Teachers Structure, Routine, Discipline The short term rewards system Goal setting Communicate with the teacher Don’t believe the hype (their teachers do not hate them) Use the planner Look for graded work Show students a united front (special education, too!) SchoolNet Parent Portal Seek resources

22. Problem #4 – Social Issues How middle school kids communicate Pay ATTENTION! (and don’t take “nothing” for an answer) Be interested Know their friends … know their friends’ parents Monitor technology Don’t be the “cool” parent Build their esteem Encourage their involvement Seek resources

23. Problem #4 – Social Issues More on Technology Net Smartz http://www.netsmartz.org/ The Cell Phone problem Facebook Guidelines

24. Problem #5 – Bullying Who does it? Why do they do it? What are the warning signs? What should you do? What we do Rachel’s Challenge Olweus Bullying Program Silence Hurts

25. Problem #6 – Organization Organization must be learned Use the planner Keep it simple Make it a habit It starts at home Provide the tools Communicate with teachers – e-mail, voicemail, Sharepoint Use the block schedule Start early

26. Questions?Questions?

27. Thank you! See you in September!