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

2. Middle School Years Learning Community Transition Getting Involved
friendships
School Spirit

3. 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

4. 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.

5. 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!

6. 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

7. 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

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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Confidentiality

13. 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.

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

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

16. 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+

17. 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

18. How to contact me Office: A200 Phone: 973-429-8300 ext. 2010

19. Have a
terrific
year!