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

Francesca Ketchum PTA

Chris Lawler Assistant Principal , ext. 0

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

Where are the students coming from?

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

Who are they becoming?

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

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

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

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

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

What are they facing?

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

What do they need?

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

Recipe for Success! Parents School Student

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

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

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

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

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

Problem #4 – Social Issues More on Technology Net Smartz The Cell Phone problem Facebook Guidelines

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

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 – , voic , Sharepoint Use the block schedule Start early

Questions?Questions?

Thank you! See you in September!