Smith Middle School Counseling, N. Elder, PhDDearborn Public Schools

May 6th Welcome 5th Grade Students & Parents

6^th GRADE SELF-REFLECTIONS

Dear 5th grader,

You are going to be in MS next year. MS can be a fun & scary at the same time!  Lots of kids are nervous about going to MS, they think they are going to forget their combination or they won’t remember their schedule. To be honest I thought the exact same thing.  Trust me; you won’t forget your combinations because you practice it a lot. I was worried I would forget my schedule and to be honest I remembered the first week. Another bonus is all the teachers are really nice, they know what it’s like to come from your small elementary to this big MS!  6^th grade Viking – “Grace M”

When you are having a problem in school talk to your teacher or principal or even your best friend if you need to get something off your chest and do the same for your friend if your friend is having a problem. If you are having trouble with what you are learning, talk to your teacher, they would love to help you. Kids often think “Oh my gosh! I have so many different classes so I’m going to have a boatload of homework.” Figure out a time for homework not TV time or stuff like, stick to it everyday & eventually you will start to find that you don’t have a lot of homework. Kids stress about good grades, write down everything in your planner…before you rush off home… think what do I need to bring home so, study for all of your tests even though you think you know all of it. One last thing, if you’re absent ask your teachers for the work you missed. I hope this helps! Have an awesome year! 6^th grade Viking

Dear 5^th graders,

I remember when I first came to middle school I was a little scared that people would not like me for me. So I started to act like this smart bossy little girl and I hated that me. So my advice to the new sixth graders are just be yourself because if you pretend to be someone you’re not you might just lose sight of who you are. Also you might not like that kid you are pretending to be. 6^th grade Viking – “Ariel D”

Dear Parents,

I can’t tell you how my mom or dad felt when I first started the sixth grade because I’m not them. But I can tell you how I wanted them to feel. I wanted them to feel like I’m growing up. Show them lots of love and care as they make their transition because it’s hard when you have to do something new that you know nothing about. Also the kid might be a little scared on how people my see him or her so just show them love and talk to them. Oh, yeah pray that they get this really awesome teacher named Mrs.Uetz, she is the absolute best teacher ever. 6^th grade “Viking Ariel D”

Dear 5^th grader,

Some advice I would give to 5^th graders coming into middle school would be “stay away from the drama”. All it does is bring you bad news, nothing good comes out of it except rumors seriously, I mean you should think before you repeat things especially if it would hurt someone’s feelings. Would you want a rumor going around about you? I don’t think so! So keep this in mind next time you say something about someone or text someone.  6^th grade is to meet new people and have new friends and to experiment new looks not to be like cool kids and uncool kids, winners & losers. 6^th grade Viking – “AJ”

Dear 5^th grade students: Your 1^st day at Smith might be a bit scary but you’ll get over it. Smith is an OK school. Wish you best wishes. 6^th grade Viking “your mom”.

Dear Parents, For advice for your 6^th grade kids for sure you need to give them a break or let them relax because it is not easy. It will get really hard coming to 6^th grade, it will get stressful.  6^th grade Viking “Kassa Frass”

Dear 5^th grade students

, My advice to you would be no messing around in the hallway. Why? WE have these focus card that keep track of how you act in school and if you are late you will get your card signed.  If you get 10 boxes signed you will be sent to detention. 6^th grade Viking

Dear Parents, I would let my kids take a break when they get home.  But I would also make sure they do all their homework and studying and if they need help try to help the best you can.  6^th grade Viking “Collin R.”

Dear Students, One advice for you 5^th graders is the more you study the more you will learn. Also, the harder you work the higher your grades get. 6^th grade Viking

Dear Students, Since there is an A day  a B day, I do the A day work on that day and the B day homework on B day. I don’t have an overload of work. It works! 6^th grade Viking

Dear Parents,

Let your kid come home once you pick them up, let them have a snack then do their homework. 6^th grade Viking Summer L.

Dear Student, Some advice I have for you is: if they’re not too heavy carry all your books at once. Going to your locker can slow you down.  Go the bathroom between classes and bring a water bottle. Parents? Very few people can work nonstop without a break for incredible period of time.  Give your child a break when they get home, after which they should do their homework.  6^th grade Viking Adrian F.”

Dear student, It is not as bad as you think. Middle school is very different from elementary. You want to meet lots of new friend but still keep in touch the old ones. Memorized your locker comb and always lock y9ur locket. Never put off homework till the last minute. Pay attention in class. Don’t be afraid and be excited for middle School. Good Luck!!! 6^th grade Viking “Doodler 11”

Apr 17th Community Service Day

. Service DAY FLYER 2014 (1)

Apr 16th Congratulations DMST Class of 2018

Congratulations to OL Smith students who were recently admitted to the Dearborn Math Science and Technology Program. The best to you as you transition toward 2018. Congratulations to all our student in the Class of 2018!

Mar 31st Edsel Ford Announcement for 8th graders

The course request sheet you received today should be completed and reviewed with a parent/guardian.  Keep in mind the following:

Tuesday April 8 – Blue Course Request Sheets must be returned to your 1st hour teacher

Wednesday April 7 – Edsel Ford will host their Class of 2018 Parent Orientation.  6-6:30 in the Auditorium – Please contact Ms. Haddad, Ninth Grade Lead Teacher for questions 313 827-1527

Friday August 22, 2014   8am-12 noon – Meet Your Link Crew Mentor! Fun, games, prices & snacks! Dont miss this opportunity to meet new Thunderbirds!

Mar 19th Parent Teacher Conferences Wednesday March 19 4:30-7:30

Please join the Smith staff by meeting with your child’s teachers for Parent Teacher Conferences.  Teachers will be in their classrooms. You can pick up report cards in front of the auditorium then proceed for a 5 minute conference with your child’s teachers.  If you need more than 5 minutes please sign up with your teacher who will be contacting you for more time.

Immediately following conferences will be a PTSA meeting in the Media Center.  This is a good time to share with the group your ideas and any concerns you feel would support your child, our staff and more importantly your role as a parent.

Please stop by the counseling office Lost & Found for any missing clothing items your child has lost.

Enjoy the evening at Smith Middle School!

Dec 16th Help package & load gift baskets on Dec 20 & 21

Goodfellow Packers & Delivers Needed!

Goodfellow President Lawrence Johnson will be leading a team

To pack Goodfellows gifts on Friday, December 20, 2013

Beginning at 6:00 p.m.  A group will also be needed on

Saturday, December 21st beginning at 8:00 a.m.

To load the packages for distribution.

If you can join us on either day, please meet Larry at

Village Ford parts/body shop (not the dealership) 23915 Kean Street

(located one block south of Michigan Avenue, two blocks west of Outer Drive)

There will be signs to guide you to the correct building

Come see the results of all the Goodfellow efforts—

Our assembly line of workers will have all the gifts

for the children packaged and distributed in just a few short hours.

Your help would be most greatly and gratefully appreciated!

Dec 5th Tips for Middle School Parents

Tips for Middle School Parents

Parent participation in education is closely related to student achievement. Parents & students will be affected by the change to middle school. The key during adolescence is to balance  support while promoting responsibility and independence in your Child.

Become informed about your new school by attending orientations, read School guides, student handbooks & the district & school website regularly for current information.

• Your 6^th grader doesn’t want you showing up for lunch, but you can stay
• Involved by joining and volunteering with PTA.
• Students of all ages benefit when family and school cooperate and have a Positive relationship. If you have questions or concerns don’t hesitate to call Or email the school staff. Know staff names by visiting Smith’s website and your child’s academic progress through Zangle (your student’s gradebook). Contact the school if you need your password log in information.
•  Provide the supplies from the various teachers’ lists. Ask to see your child’s Student Planner – assignment notebook.
•  If Organization and time management skills are  developed your student will not feel overwhelmed.
• Limit after –school recreational activities to balance with quiet study time regularly.
•  Set rules about TV, computer and technology use.
•  check your child’s dress attied to ensure it is  “school friendly”. Some attire can be distracting to your child in school as to others.
•  Check the calendar for your specific dates for: report cards, parent teacher conferences and other special activities.
• Be sure the main office has your current contact information – don’t assume your child will know or share changes in phone numbers or addresses.
• Talk to your child about school and peers. Listen for comments that reflect what they are feeling and thinking. Expect your child to make mistakes and have personal struggles. Give them time to think and make decisions abouthow to handle their problems and deal with the consequences.
•  Peer acceptance and self –esteem issues become increasing important. Provide opportunities for your child to develop their interests and socialize with friends yet be sure to monitor their choices.

Dec 5th PBS for Parents & Students

Welcome to Smith Middle School,

As we transition into the new school year it is my hope that your child has a wonderful academic and social experience. We will be working on many wonderful things this year.

Please check out the Smith Counseling Blog which will have information about various topics including including: activities, summer programs, middle school scholarships, how to support your middle schooler as they develop academically and socially.

The following are a few resources available on our Smith Blog for Middle School Parents & Students:

v    https://iblog.dearbornschools.org/smithcounseling/

v     Students will be meeting with me beginning this week to discuss academic goals and their transition.

v     Please encourage your child get involved in activities and clubs in school or out of school as these experiences support their well-rounded development. PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) is a nice student and family oriented program that provides programs and information for middle school and parents looking support on various topics in the areas of: home, friends, family, school, emotions and other topics.  The link to PBS is:

https://pbskids.org/itsmylife/school/middleschool/article2.html

v     Please give me a “shout out” and leave a comment that you have visited us:  https://iblog.dearbornschools.org/smithcounseling/

Educationally,

Nuzmeya Elder, PhD

O.L.Smith Counselor

313 827-2812

Oct 3rd Detroit Tigers Stand Tall Contest

Stand Tall with the Tigers Video, Essay and Poster Contest for grades 3-8

Coinciding with National Anti-Bullying Awareness Month, SUBWAY® restaurants of Detroit, along with the Detroit Tigers Foundation, an affiliate of Ilitch Charities, and Michigan K.I.D.S. are asking students in grades 3-8 to show how they stood tall against bullying by entering the Stand Tall with The Tigers Video, Essay and Poster Competition.  Between October 1 and October 31, students are asked to portray an occasion when they have stood tall for themselves, for something they believed in or for someone who needed help, or a time someone else stood up for them. Go to www.standtallcontest.com

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=cm#inbox/1417e3137e820900

Oct 2nd Tips for Middle Scool Parents

Tips for Middle School Parents

Parent participation in education is closely related to student achievement. Both of

You will be affected by this change to middle school. The key during adolescence

Is to balance your support while promoting responsibility and independence in your

Child.

Become informed about your new school by attending orientations, read

School guides and student handbooks and visit the web site regularly for

Current information.

Your 6^th grader doesn’t want you showing up for lunch, but you can stay

Involved by joining and volunteering with PTA.

Students of all ages benefit when family and school cooperate and have a

Positive relationship. If you have questions or concerns don’t hesitate to call

Or email the school staff. Know the name of their team, the homeroom

Teacher and the school counselor for their grade.

Provide the supplies from the various teachers’ lists. Ask to see their

Student Planner – assignment notebook with communications from the

Teachers – regularly.

Organization and time management skills must be developed so students will

Not feel overwhelmed. Be sure to limit after –school recreational activities,

Provide a quiet study area and expect to see your child working regularly on

Homework and long-term projects. Set rules about TV, computer, and technology use.

Know the dress code for your school and check to see that your child is

Wearing “school friendly” attire daily.

Check the calendar for your specific school – know when interims and report

Cards go out, if there are early release days and any dates of special

Activities.

Be sure the main office has current contact information – don’t assume your

Child will know or share changes in phone numbers or addresses.

Talk to your child about school and peers. Listen for comments that reflect

What they are feeling and thinking. Expect your child to make mistakes and

Have personal struggles. Give them time to think and make decisions about

How to handle their problems and deal with the consequences.

Peer acceptance and self –esteem issues become increasing important.

Provide opportunities for your child to develop their interests and socialize

With friends, but be sure to monitor their choices.