1. Define what bullying is… TREND what is the issue --bullying? 7 th grade boys drop out (talking about it) 8 th grade girls –cliques Social issues –future Sports playing and concerns 6 th grade misperception of high school (boys) 6 th grade girls worried about having sex, relationships, classmates getting pregnant Fear of MEAN GIRLS and other grades hating freshman Define what bullying is… TREND what is the issue --bullying? 7 th grade boys drop out (talking about it) 8 th grade girls –cliques Social issues –future Sports playing and concerns 6 th grade misperception of high school (boys) 6 th grade girls worried about having sex, relationships, classmates getting pregnant Fear of MEAN GIRLS and other grades hating freshman Introduction Our health concern was related to Middle school youth. We believe that they do not fully understand what high school will be like and may have some concerns that are unrealistic. We felt that the following issues may be of importance: peer pressure, drugs and alcohol, bullying( the real deal), staying in school and relationships. To figure out what were the key challenges that middle- school students focused on, we surveyed 6 th, 7 th and 8 th graders on what they felt high school would be like. We also interviewed guidance counselors to determine their perspective and then came to complete our research by asking high school seniors how their experience was and how this compared to their perception. Our data revealed that the key concerns for boys and girls were different in multiple aspects. Girls number one concern was based on social connection and peer concerns. Boys number one challenge was worry about achievement in sports and completing school. The treatment we applied to this project to intervene around these issues was a “intervention question and answer period at the middle school. We did this intervention period by dividing students into gender groups and targeted their problems one on one and in general in a discussion. No students were singled out ~ all students were encouraged to participate Background Children in middle school are faced with many changes that affect many aspects of their lives. During this time, children are desperate to find a place to belong, and often make choices that negatively affect academic achievement and their ability to experienceoptimum health (Shultz, 2008). During the transition from childhood to adulthood, adolescents experience significant biological, cognitive, emotional, and social change (Mertens,2006). Early adolescence is a period of tremendous variability during which middle school students are conscious witnesses to their own development (NMSA, 2003). Nol onger children and not yet adults, young adolescents make significant choices about their health and develop attitudes and health practices that continue into adulthood (Mertens, 2006). A successful middle school provides an environment that is developmentally responsive and that promotes an abundance of opportunities for students to develop and maintain healthy minds and bodies and to understand their own personal growth (Mendez,2006). Social connectedness impacts students health behaviors (resnick, 1997). Students who have support systems and people who understand them or are involved with them do better in school and avoid some of the peer pressure issues that can occur in school (Blumn, 2002). Counselor Interview Findings… Each grade has their own problems which is a reflection of their age Some 8 th graders are ready for HS ~ others will find it to be a “Rude Awakening” Kids do not understand what BULLYING is… Kids DO NOT ask for help ~ and do not seem to want adults to offer them help. Does not see the drama ~ she thinks the kids would like to handle it themselves. Results Data in General Findings of Females Data in General Findings in Males Positive Trends (Conclusions) Girls indicated a maturity over time (more realistic impression of what HS will actually be) Girls indicated desire to achieve high in school and take PSEOP (8 th grade) No discussion of sexuality (good or bad?) boys 8 th grade boys and girls excited about Maplewood and Biomed for high school 8 th grade motivated to achieve high standard in sports and schools (boys) Excited about high school Literature cited NMSA research summary - adolescent health, wellness, and safety (october 2006).Retrieved 4/4/2013, http://www.nmsa.org/Research/ResearchSum maries/Health/tabid/267/Default.aspx http://www.nmsa.org/Research/ResearchSum maries/Health/tabid/267/Default.aspx Mendez, L., Young, E., Mihalas, S., Cusumano, D., & Hoffmann, L. (2006, November). What Teachers Can Do to Reduce Hidden Stressors for Girls in Middle School. Middle School Journal, 38(2), 13-22. Dalton, Amanda. "FACTORS AFFECTING THE HEALTH OF MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS." Ohio University, n.d. Web. 8 Apr. 2013.. Resnick MD, Bearman PS, Blum RW, et al. Protecting adolescents from harm. Findings from the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent Health. JAMA 1997;278(10):823– 832. Blum RW, McNeely C, Rinehart PM. Improving the odds: the untapped power of schools to improve the health of teens. Minneapolis: Center for Adolescent Health and Development, University of Minnesota; 2002. Challenges of Middle School Shaye Laubert and Samantha Mesko Rootstown High School Higher Order Concerns (more research needed…) Define what bullying is… TREND what is the issue --bullying? 7 th grade boys drop out (talking about it) 8 th grade girls –cliques Social issues –future Sports playing and concerns 6 th grade misperception of high school (boys) 6 th grade girls worried about having sex, relationships, classmates getting pregnant Fear of MEAN GIRLS and other grades hating freshman “I think bullying, cliques, algebra, science class and peer pressure will be worse” ~8 th grade boy “I don’t see why everybody is always so eager to start high school ~it just another school.” ~ 8 th grade boy “No, Because I hate School”~7 th grade boy “No because I’m dropping out” and “bullies, drugs and cops (items that scare them the most)”~7 th grade boy “I think the cliques will get very bad. I’ve have heard that high school there are a lot of problems… and drama” ~8 th grade girl “I hope it doesn’t happen but I don’t want anyone to bully me anymore”~8 th grade girl “…becoming a bad kid and doing stuff I don’t usually do”~ 7 th grade girl “Yes –Because it is the PARTY YEARS” -6 th grade boy Being bullied, pregnant classmates and don’t know what job I want” ~ 6 th grade girl Quotes from the Research