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Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1 st Quarter

Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

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Page 1: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

Surviving Middle School

Davidson Middle School

Coffee With the Counselors

Tips For Parents

SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

Page 2: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

Journey Into the Mind of a ‘Tween/Teen

Page 3: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

“Who are you and what have you done with my

child?”

CHANGES during this Phase

• Physical

• Intellectual

• Emotional

• Social

‘TWEENS – Ages 8-14

Page 4: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

• body odor, increase in sweat rate, increase in skin oils

• growth spurts = clumsiness• menstruation, facial hair, pimples,

breast development, growth of body hair, HORMONES !

• Moving from concrete to abstract thinking• Self-identity, independence and development of

moral values• Development of delayed gratification• Beginning of major changes to the part of the brain

that regulates heart rate, blood sugar levels and the formation of memories and emotions

Physical Changes

Intellectual Changes

Page 5: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

• As they become better at thinking abstractly, their social anxiety increases

• Flood of sex hormones affects emotional centers of the brain making it tough for ‘tweens to control feelings and behaviors

• Emotionally linked to peers (group-think)

• Development of real fears(death, war, violence) replaces fantasy fears (monsters, boogey man)

• Shifts in the amount of time spent with their friends versus their family

• Shifting perceptions about the supportiveness of family and friends – friends gain status with age

Emotional Changes

Social Changes

Page 6: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

Other Stresses for ‘Tweens

•Bullies and/or being teased•Getting good grades•Homework•Making new friends•Getting from class to class on time•Carrying all those books•Having someone to sit with at lunch•Feeling stupid compared to other kids•Being embarrassed by parents in front of other kids•Puberty (pimples, body

changes)•Changing before and after P.E. in front of other kids•Being over-scheduled•Social Media•Peer Pressure

Page 7: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

Survival Tips for Parents

Page 8: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

#1: Know How to Work the System & Stay “In the Know”

Page 9: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

#1: Know How to Work the System & Stay “In the Know”

•Read every communication•Parent Portal (to check grades & sign up for updates)

•School newsletter & website

•Remind / Edmodo/ online book info from teachers

•Teacher websites

•Know your resources•Principal: Jay Sanders

•Asst Principal: Laurren Seegars

•Asst Principal: Gary Taylor

•School Counselors: Jamie Parker (6th gr A-Z/ 7th gr A-L)

Keitha Holloway (7th gr M-Z/ 8th gr A-Z)

Guidance Secretary: Tracy Hollinhead

•Resource Officer: Trey Ellison

Page 10: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

#1: Know How to Work the System & Stay “In the Know”

•Second quarter Coffee With the Counselors: Tues. November 29th @ 5:30-6:30pm in Media Center

•Teachers & Email Addresses•EVERY teacher has an email address ending in the following: @mail.okaloosa.k12.fl.us

• Make sure you have all 6 teacher emails and keep that info handy•While a teacher can’t always talk to you over the phone during the day – they can often respond quickly to an email

•Jamie Parker(6th gr A-Z/ 7th gr A-L): [email protected]

• Keitha Holloway (7th gr M-Z/ 8th gr A-Z): [email protected]

•Parent/Teacher conferences with all your child’s teachers can be set up through DMS Guidance (for individual conferences please contact specific teacher) : 683-7500 xt 216

•Stay Active in parent organizations & school council meetings : DMS Student Advisory Council 1st meeting:

Wed. August 24th @ 3pm in Media Center

Page 11: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

#2: Don’t Ignore or Let It Go – GET HELP!

•Always Go To the Teacher FIRST•If there is an issue DON’T WAIT for the teacher to contact you

•If your child is suddenly not doing well – it may be more than academics

•Problem with teacher or classmates, uninterested or unmotivated

•When in Doubt Contact The School Counselor

•We can be “the heavy”

•Grade Checks•Bullying issues•Problems with Teachers•Assessment Questions

•Organization issues•Social issues•Issues with friends•Hygiene Issues

Page 12: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

#3:School Attendance Makes a Difference

•Consequences of Missing School:•Falling behind with homework/classwork causing high anxiety for your ‘tween to catch up in all 6 classes

•Students not in school on a regular basis are more likely to get in trouble with the law

•Research shows a strong relationship between attendance and graduating on time or within a year of expected graduation

Page 13: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

#3:School Attendance Makes a Difference

•What You Can Do:•Make being on-time for school and attending every day a Priority

•Don’t let your child take time off from school for minor ailments - particularly those which would not prevent you from going to work

•If your child is chronically absent or checking in/out –find out what’s going on & contact the school nurse or Guidance for help

•Things To Know:•After 9 Absences per semester (Unexcused or Excused) student must have a doctor’s note to be Excused

Page 14: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

#3:School Attendance Makes a Difference

•If your child is Absent•Call the DMS front office on the first day of the absence 683-7500 ext 221

•Send them with a written excuse the day they return ((They should bring to Mrs. Windham at the front window/Reception office))

•Your child is responsible for any assignments/tests/quizzes they miss while absent (which must be turned in one week after they return)

•If they will be absent multiple days, please contact the school (3 or more days – Makeup work may be collected through DMS Guidance)

Page 15: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

#4: Establish School to Home Routines

•Consistent Time and Place for Homework Each Night

•Don’t accept “I have no homework” – BE FIRM - your child can review what was taught that day or read•Ask to see Agenda book and supervise that homework gets done EVERY DAY– ask to see it when they are finished

•Set Goals•Sit down with your child at beginning of each grading period & set realistic goals for each class

•For Bigger Projects Encourage Your Child to:•Start Early

•Break larger tasks into smaller chunks

•Ask for help when they need it

Page 16: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

#4: Establish School to Home Routines

•Know The Power of the Agenda Book/Planner•Should go with your child throughout the day & be used every period to record homework/assignments/upcoming test & quizzes•Communication with the teacher•School Calendar•Student Handbook & useful information•Helps your child to be organized and furthers the development of academic self-sufficiency (HIGH SCHOOL IS ONLY A FEW YEARS AWAY!!)

•Organization and Studying are LEARNED Skills

•Work with your child to establish a system for recording assignments, taking notes, keeping his/her backpack & binder organized, etc

Examples:

•Separate folder for each Subject/ 3 Ring binder with dividers

•What do they do with graded assignments they need to keep? Where do they put notes?

Page 17: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

• Take Advantage of DMS Homework Help

Every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

1:45-2:30 in RM 600•Students may bring in whatever work they need help with, even if the work was not assigned as homework. They don’t have to sign up – they just need to show up

•There are several people (teachers) who work with the program and provide quality help to students. Many parents and students find Afternoon Homework Help to be beneficial.

*Transportation is not provided*

#4: Establish School to Home Routines

Page 18: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

#5: Technology- The Good, Bad and Ugly

•Social Media •Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tumblr, Google+ and Vine

•Monitor Social Media carefully

•PERFECT place for 24/7 bullying•Remember Nellie from “Little House on the Prairie”

•Talk to your child about online dangers

•Be a good example of how to use Social Media

•Messaging & Anonymous Sharing Apps•Kik, WhatsApp, Whisper, Yik Yak, Ask.FM•According to “Teens, Social Media & Technology Overview 2015” by the Pew Research Center

•90% of tweens/teens with phones exchange texts•The typical tween/teen sends and receives 30 texts per day

Page 19: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

#5: Technology- The Good, Bad and Ugly

•Create Ground Rules•Create a technology/device contract that all family members sign •Keep Computer in central location in home•Collect and lock down devices at bedtime

•Technology/Devices Are Not a Right – It’s a Privilege•There are ways to block sites and monitor use•If your child isn’t using technology safely and appropriately –cancel it or take it away & make them earn it back

•DMS Cell Phone/ Electronic Devices Policy•Devices may only be used before or after school & must remain in locker for remainder of school day

Page 20: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

#6: YOU, the Parent are the Linchpin

YOU are the most IMPORTANT part of the Parent-Teacher-Student Team!

Page 21: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

#6: YOU, the Parent are the Linchpin

•ENCOURAGE your child’s passions and interests (no matter what they are)

•ENCOURAGE your child to be part of school activities and groups outside of school (sports, hobbies, youth groups)

•Consistently Acknowledge & Reward your child’s efforts at school

•Reinforce the Positive

•Ask questions & Listen CLOSELY

•Listen without giving advice

Page 22: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

•Keep Calm when your ‘tween is emotional and irrational:

•Don’t engage•Don’t take it personally•Don’t judge

#6: YOU, the Parent are the Linchpin

•Stay Connected (even though they may post a “Keep Out” sign on their door)

•They still need your love and guidance•The sign is their way of trying to establish boundaries between themselves & the outside world

•Remain Fair & Consistent with Rules & Discipline

•Allowing them to break the rules will send the message that rules are meant to be broken

Page 23: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

RESOURCES

•Davidson Middle School http://www.okaloosaschools.com/davidson/

•Okaloosa County Schoolshttp://okaloosaschools.com/

•Parent Portal http://www.okaloosaschools.com/students/grades-online

•Middle School Student Resources http://okaloosaschools.com/students/middle-school

Page 24: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

RESOURCES

•The Everything Tween Book: A Parent’s Guide to Surviving the Turbulent Preteen Years by Lina Sonna, Ph.D (Ebook is available for free with Amazon Umlimited)

•Queen Bees and Wannabes: Helping Your Daughter Survive Cliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, and the New Realities of Girl World by Rosalind Wiseman •https://www2.ed.gov/parents/academic/involve/homework/homeworktips.pdf - Homework Tips for Parents

•http://www.today.com/parents/how-get-kids-organized-middle-school-2D80555742 - How To Get Kids Organized for Middle School

•http://family.go.com – Topics from hygiene struggles to middle-school life

•http://www.parents.com/kids/teens/

Page 25: Surviving Middle School - OKALOOSA SCHOOLS · Surviving Middle School Davidson Middle School Coffee With the Counselors Tips For Parents SY 2016-2017- 1st Quarter

Questions?

We Appreciate You

Thank You For Coming !