HELPING YOUR CHILD SUCCEED IN MIDDLE SCHOOL

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

Keys to Academic Success

1. Organization2. Time Management3. Prioritization4. Concentration5. Motivation6. Preparation7. Social Emotional Health

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

OrganizationSet up a calendar for weekly or bi-weekly

binder cleanoutsMark dates on the calendarStudent cleans out binder

May need assistance and/or reminder to do thisKeep a binder at home where papers are

stored

Assignment NotebookClear expectation that..

Every assignment/project is written downEvery 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 itIf you keep forgetting, get creative! Ex. Take

picture of homework board

Time ManagementDesignate a time and place for daily

homeworkInclude after school activities when setting up

homework schedule Upcoming test? Mark on calendarStudy location with breaks as needed

Chunk long-term projects into smaller segments

PrioritizationWhen completing homework, help your child

prioritizeUse 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

ConcentrationLimit distractions

SiblingsTelevision/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 e-mail and games

Clearly state your expectations - This is Homework Time, not computer time. Monitor usage.

Study Skills ClassTopics Covered

Setting GoalsLearning StylesStudying Strategies/Study EnvironmentTest-Taking StrategiesTest AnxietyProject Planning

MotivationTalk about or make a list of the reasons why you

want to reach the goalChange your thoughts (“This is torture.” vs. “It

will be great to learn more about..”)Believe you canSet a timer & reward self with a break, snack,

video game, etc. for accomplishing your goalRemove distractions or create obstacles to those

distractionsGive & receive helpMake time for the process

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

Homework DifficultiesOverwhelmed by homework?

Have one assignment/materials out at a timeAfter 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 email the teacherEncourage students to become independent in talking with

teachers for extra support or clarification

Set goals & take breaks

MAP TestingImplemented MAP testing to help us gage student growthTeacher 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 yearMAP assessments again in January and May

Social Emotional HealthBalanceDeveloping & utilizing time-management skillsExplore new interests but balance school work

with free time

Mind and BodyMindfulnessBreathingHealthy exercise Proper nutritionSleep

Social ChangesFriendships

Common interest friendships developFriends becoming more important & influentialCharacter reminders: being kind & respectful to

all; appreciate differences

Conflict resolutionChild may need guidanceEncourage addressing the situation in-personRole playWrite out thoughts & revise

Remember….

COMMUNICATION

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

ENCOURAGEMENT

BALANCE