Don’t steal from your children
We try to give everything to our children so they can be happy, but what we do is steal their self esteem. We teach them that happiness is “stuff”. We need to work on them earning things. This does not mean just money, it could also be privileges.
After the 4th card marking, students received reading and/or mathematics contracts { performing 2 or more grade level below on NWEA }, we need these forms returned.
The wait will soon be over, shortly after we return from break letters will be in the mail.
Letters are in the mail informing students if they passed the test. The lottery will be completed today and letters will be sent to the “winners”.
My understanding is that there is a waiting list also.
GOOD LUCK!
Soon students will be selecting electives for next year, music should be considered. Studies have shown that the brain benefits from music, we become more focused and controlled. Students that play instruments have a more developed cortex which is responsible for memory, attention, and organizational skills.
In Dearborn, we are trying to build our music program to where it once was, so when your child brings home their course selection sheet, keep music in mind
Again a reminder that Jan 14, 2015 is the informational meeting for the 8th and 9th grade classes. This is an opportunity for your parents to discover the advantages that will come from attending these programs. Also remember that this is for parents only.
Both of these programs will be visiting Stout during december. DCMST will be here first hour to talk to our 8th grade algebra students in regards to the high school program and with the 7th grade pre-algebra students about the eigth grade program, the 8th grade is much more selective. This will occur on the 17th. Early College will be here at 1:00 pm, following lunch, to meet with all the eigth graders on the 10th. Both of these dates are on wednesdays. Applications will be available after the meetings. Both of these schools have a great deal of information available at ther websites. Both of these schools are very selective, teacher recomendations are required, along with standardize test scores. We will be retaking the NWEA during january, encourage your children to do their best.
Deadlines for applications will be provided at these meetings, along with any additional information.
As parents what options do we have? If they are arguing with us, it is simple, we do not argue back. We are in control, not them. Now if it is with each other, then it is still within our control. Love and Logic gives us options, “It sounds like you are having a problem – and it will be interesting to see how you solve it.” This atitude is something we need to model. We need to be the adult that we want our children to become.
Dr. Charles Fay’s website is full of information that can help us raise responsible, problem solving children.
As we approach the first card marking, as parents, we need to keep in mind how to perceive grades, “Love and Logic” tells us several things, we can’t learn for kids, we can’t control every action they take, and many highly successful people struggled with grades as children. With these things in mind, our overriding attitude must be love and concern.
” I bet these grades are a real disappoint for you. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”
As we begin a new school year, student are nervous about teachers, new classes, and possibly a new school. Here are several ways to help them, first talk about your school days, visit teacher blogs, and the school website. Acknowledge that sometimes school is difficult to adjust to, make them aware that middle school is laying the foundation for high school, just like elementary did for middle. Encourage them to make new friends and maintain their existing ones. And last, if they take a bus, help them become familiar with the location of the stop, route, and most important, the rules.
All of these ideas, plus actively participating in their education, by checking parent connect, attending parent conferences, open house, and commuticating with the school and teachers will provide a pleasant school year, and many after.