Here to help….

All middle school students are assigned to a guidance counselor at the beginning of sixth-grade  who work to ease the transition from elementary to middle school for sixth graders.

When students are in seventh-grade, counselors are beginning to plan for high school programs of study. For eighth-graders, they are guiding students in course selection for high school.

Students may check in at the guidance office to make an appointment to see their counselor at any time.

Please contact your child’s teachers or middle school counselor if you have any questions or concerns.

Additionally, please contact the  middle school psychologist for information on  various support groups and programs which may be of interest to you and your middle school child.

Progress Report/Report Card distribution dates

Assessments are given to each student at five week intervals. 

Tips for organization

At this point in the school year, middle school students should be familiar with their schedules and comfortable navigating to and from classes.

Organization is essential for being successful in middle school. Encourage your child to share his or her “system” with you; then work together, as needed, to perfect it.  Keep in mind that what works for you may not work for your child.

Is your child cleaning out his or her book bag and organizing notebooks/folders on a regular basis?

Is the planner being used to record daily assignments?

Is your child planning ahead for major projects and tests?  It is important to have a plan for managing homework.  How discouraging it is to spend time completing an assignment only to lose it and not be able to turn it in on time.

Many students use a homework folder to keep track of assignments. This folder is taken to every class. Assignments  that need to be done can be placed on one side and completed assignments ready to turn in can be placed on the other. The student should check the homework folder and planner at the end of  each day, then bring it home along with any texts/notes/etc. needed to complete the assignment. The homework folder, with completed assignments, should be placed in a designated spot where the student will remember to bring it to school each day.

Some students stay organized by using an accordion or expanding file folder.   The folder can be set up by subject and taken to each class. Assignments can easily be placed in the correct pocket for later completion. A weekly cleaning is essential to success with this tool.

A  zipper binder has been helpful for many students. It provides a place for storing assignments as well as writing utensils and loose leaf paper.

It is important to ask your child to show you their homework, rather than asking if the homework is done. Seeing the assignments and spending a few minutes reviewing them with your child shows how important they are and gives you some idea of what is being taught. This also provides an opportunity to relate daily life activities to topics covered in school.

A good night’s sleep and breakfast are also helpful for being successful in middle school. It is difficult to maintain focus when exhausted and hungry.  Although everyone is different, research indicates that most middle school students need eight to ten hours of sleep per night.

Child Abuse Hotline Notification

If you suspect a child is being abused or maltreated (neglected), report it by calling 1-800-342-3720, a toll-free 24-hour hotline operated by the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.

If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police department.