Parenting a Middle School Student 101

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Parenting a Middle School Student 101

• An overview on how to enjoy the Middle School
  Years

1. Naragon C. Kokas

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Highlight the Positives

• Meet new friends
• Develop new skills and interests
• Think about your goals for the future
• More independence
• Become involved in clubs and activities

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Middle School is a Time Filled with Promise and
Anticipation

• A Tremendous Growth
• Socially
• Emotional
• Academically
• Physically

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Orientation Programs

• Presentations at the elementary school by NMS
  school staff and students
• Trips to NMS for elementary students
• Tour NMS over the summer
• Crossroads team building activities in September

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How is Middle School Different?

• Team environment
• Different schedule, classes, teachers, building,
  students
• Increased academic responsibility
• Use of a locker

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1) Reaffirm Feelings of Normalcy Provide
Problem Solving Skills
!

• Excited- There is a lot to look forward to at NMS
• How can you become involved in the NMS community?
• What are you most excited for?
• Nervous- Many students will be feeling nervous
• It will take some time to get used to middle
  school
• Who can you go to for help?
• Sad- Students may feel sad if they are not in the
  same classes as their friends.
• How can you make new friends?
• How will maintain friendships with old friends?

!
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2) Encourage Your Child to Make New Friends
Be Friendly
Be Yourself
Get Involved
Be A Good Listener
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3) Help Your Child Improve His/Her Self-esteem
Be a good friend
Doing things he/she enjoys
Setting attainable goals
Taking pride in his/her efforts
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4) Ask Questions

• What are you most excited about?
• What are you most worried about?
• How can I help?

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5) Listen Closely

• Listen for unstated feelings
• Ex Concerns about a locker combination may
  reveal worries about privacy, personal space or
  safety
• Be ready to talk to your child and devote your
  full attention to his/her concerns
• Teach your child good judgment
• Fairness self-respect
• A sense of right and wrong

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5) Listen Closely Cont

• Talk to your child about dangerous behaviors
• These include violence, drugs, and alcohol
• Let him/her know that these behaviors are
  unacceptable
• Encourage positive social activities such as
  sharing sports, hobbies, and other healthy
  interests with friends
• Get to know your childs friends
• Get to know the interests and personalities of
  your childs friends
• Get to know the parents too

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Welcome to NMS!

• From all of us at Newtown Middle School, we are
  really excited for your family to become a part
  of our Newtown Middle School Community!