Welcome Guidance Breakfast 2016 Glen Ridge High School Grades 7 and 8

Middle School Years Learning Community Transition Getting Involved friendships School Spirit

The conflicted “middle-schooler” Risk-takers, curious, adventurous yet Feelings are hurt easily Seek independence yet Need to be pampered and protected Withdraw and want private life yet Seek acceptance from peers Demand privileges yet Avoid responsibilities

Communicating with Your Middle Schooler Open-ended questions Ex: Tell me about your day! Listening Be available Good times to talk might be when you’re making dinner or driving together. Watch for non verbal cues Verbal communication is difficult for kids. Watch for body language such as eating and sleeping patterns, mood changes, and academic performance.

Welcome New Glen Ridge Parents! Encourage after-school activities Meeting students with similar interests Sense of belonging Family activities Sense of security Friendships Friendships boosts confidence Expect friendship shifts!

Support System GR website – www.glenridge.org Family Access (Skyward) Agenda / Assignment Book Period 9: 2:50 - 3:15 Media Center: open until 4:00 Text Books Have an online version (teachers will provide codes when necessary) District website – Textbook Inventory

Support System (cont.) Study Skills transition course (7th) Counselor Cycle Visits (7th) Peer leadership (8th) Study Hall period 7th - 2 X per week 8th – 1X per week (plus Peer Leadership) Peer Tutoring (HS Honors Societies) Homework Club Room 229, Thursdays, Period 9

Web Communication Google Drive School Wires Classroom Calendar Docs/Sheets/Slides School Wires www.glenridge.org High School-Faculty-Teacher Name

Student Recognition Citizenship Academics Various recognitions and celebrations throughout the year to recognize character. Academics High Honor Roll All A’s in every class each marking period. Honor Roll All A’s and B’s in every class each marking period Honors Breakfast in June

Peer Leadership Weekly meetings with senior peer leaders for team building and character education activities September 30: PL Field Day October 5: First PL meeting, then meets every Thursday through June Meet 2 Peer Leaders

How may I help? Individual Counseling Classroom Presentations Personal / social Emotional Academic Crisis Classroom Presentations Presenting a variety of topics in a classroom setting Small Group Counseling Counseling a small group based on a common need

Confidentiality

Getting Involved… See the Middle School webpage for more information. Builders Club (Community Service) Drama Club Feminism Club/Girls Learn International Jazz Band Madrigals Math Counts Middle School Mentors (8th grade only) Newspaper (Journalist) Student Council Yearbook See the Middle School webpage for more information. New Clubs! See Ms. Landgraber if you are interested in starting a new club.

Upcoming Events Class Trips September 23: Movie/BBQ Night October 21: Middle School Dance November 18: Middle Activity Night Class Trips TBD

Testing InView (7th Graders): March 27, 2017 PARCC: Late April/Early May NJASK EOY Science (8th Graders): May 31

Looking ahead. . . Scheduling for 2017- 2018 Academic Placements are based on teacher recommendations Waiver Policy- Minimum Requirements Students currently enrolled in… Honors Course in the subject area: C+ College Prep Course in the subject area: B+

In Collaboration With… What a team! High School Counselors Mrs. Lindsey Deptula Mr. Joseph Mazzarella Mrs. Vivian Petrosino In Collaboration With… Mrs. Heather Kobylinski – SAC Mrs. Non-Student Services ESS

How to contact me Office: A200 Phone: 973-429-8300 ext. 2010 Email: jlandgraber@glenridge.org

Have a terrific year!