Gladewater Middle School

Gladewater Middle SchoolPresents

Parent Orientation MeetingApril 7, 20111Middle school is a time of change for your child.

Success in middle school can set the stage for your childs success in high school, in college, and in life!

2Middle school brings:

ChallengesYour child will face:Higher expectationsMore responsibilitiesNew surroundingsTougher academic workNew class schedulesChanging friendships

OpportunitiesYour child will have the chance to:Meet new peopleDevelop new skills and interestsGain a sense of identity and independenceThink about his or her goals for the future

312 Ways to Help Your Child Do Well in Middle School

4Encourage a love of learning in your child by talking about new things he or she will learn in middle school.Discuss other exciting changes middle school will bring such as new friends, and fun activities and clubs.1. Share a positive attitude

Take at least one tour of the school before the school year begins.Attend any orientations for new students that the school offers.If possible have your child meet his or her teachers.Address any concerns your child has, such as using a combination lock or finding classrooms2. Get to know the new school together

Find a spot in your home that is quiet and free from distractions (like TV and cell phones). Make sure its well-lit. Provide a comfortable chair and any needed supplies for your child.

3. Set up a study space

Show your child how to record class assignments in a notebook or planner.Show your child how to write down key information and use abbreviations when taking notes.Explain to your child that a good way to complete a large project is to break it down into smaller steps.Encourage your child to keep all school materials neatly stored in one place at home.4. Teach your child to be organized

5. Help your child learn good social skillsSome children have a harder time than others making friends. You can help by talking about the importance of:ListeningCooperation and compromiseBeing politeRespecting differencesManaging angerApologizing when wrongBeing supportive

Remind your child that true friendships are about mutual respect.

6. Talk about bullyingLearn about the types of bullying physical, verbal, emotional and cyberbullying (using technology to bully). Teach your child about them, too.Learn how to recognize signs that your child is being bullied or is bullying others. If you see any, talk to him or her about it. Report the bullying to the school, as needed.Encourage your child to tell an adult about any bullying that he or she witnesses, too.

7. Learn school policiesA copy of the school policy manual and student handbook are available on the district website. Make sure you understand the school policy on all issues, including tardiness and attendance.

8. Talk about peer pressureHelp your child practice ways of saying no to negative peer pressure.Tell your child that peer pressure can be positive, too such as encouraging someone to study harder for a test.Teach your child that its OK to be different, and that real friends like you for who you are.

9. Encourage your child to get involvedGetting involved at school can help your child feel more positive about education, make new friends and stay out of trouble.Help your child find a school activity that interests him or her such as student government, an academic club, a sports team or the school band.Encourage your child not to give up and to give the activity a chance.Encourage your child to try several different activities while in middle school, as his or her schedule allows.

10. Stay on top of your childs schoolworkSet a specific time each day for your child to do homework, study or read.Review all of your childs tests, papers, projects and report card. (View your childs grades online with VSI)Ask your child about school every day.Look over your childs homework after he or she finishes it.

11. Be an active parentStay in touch with your childs teachers.Ask school staff about ways you can help during and after school hours.Consider joining a parent organization or school advisory council.Attend school events whenever you can.

12. Stay connected with your childLet your child know that he or she is loved, and can always talk to you about anything. Schedule time to spend together. Stay alert for any problems. If you notice any unusual behaviors, talk to your child about them right away.

Learn more about helping your child make the move to middle schoolTalk with school staff about ways you can help your child adjustConsider joining a local parent group for information and support.Call the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327) or visit www.ed.gov/parents.

Middle school is an important time in your childs life. You can help your child succeed!