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March 2008

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Welcome to the Counselor's Corner

The Counselor's Corner provides information for students in all grades.  For information specific to a particular grade, please click on the link to the counselor for that grade.

What is a counselor?

  • A certified trained professional
  • A provider of guidance and counseling for all students.
  • A provider of resources.
  • A coordinator of programs.
  • A support person who consults with teachers and parents.

March 21, 2008

SUMMER SCHOOL 2008

For details about tuition summer school for bothe promotion and remediation purposes, please click on this link.

Download ms_summer_schoolbrochure_1.doc

February 28, 2008

March Tribune article

Counselor’s Corner

March 2008

The parent speaker program is organized each year through a partnership of the counselors and the PTSA. The sessions this year have been quite informative and well attended. On February 22, Spencer Gelernter Ph.D presented on the topic of Middle School Children and Stress. The next and last speaker for the year will be Wendy Williams speaking about College Preparation on March 28 from 11:15-12:15(change from original date). Many thanks to Sharon Hanna, our PTSA representative who worked so diligently with the counselors to set up an excellent slate of speakers this year!

Study skills videos continue with upcoming dates of March 28 and April 18. Interested students are to sign up in the Guidance office and obtain a ticket for admission.

The CRCT is scheduled for all grade levels from April 23- April 29. Please avoid making appointments during the mornings of those dates. A detailed letter will be sent home with students. You may also access testing information on the Counselor blog. (Access through the Dickerson faculty page website)

January 17, 2008

January Tribune Article

As we begin the second half of year, we would like to remind you to visit our Counselors Blog, linked via the Dickerson website.  Go to the Dickerson site, click on faculty and then click on the counselors link for our combined blog.  You can access grade level blogs by clicking on the name of the grade level counselor.

Transcripts/Recommendations

Records or medical report requests are submitted to Gail Thomas, counseling clerk.  A two week notice is necessary in order to process material.  Please contact her with any questions.  Private school applications need to be submitted to Mrs. Thomas as well.  All requests must be accompanied by a signed “Release of Transcript” at least one week prior to a mailing deadline.  Please note:  It is not our practice to recommend or fail to recommend any student to another educational institution.  We hope that the student’s transcript will be sufficient to determine eligibility to the school.  We do not answer subjective questions concerning character, loyalties, etc.  Transcripts and the recommendation form are mailed directly to the institution making the request.  The first transcript is free of charge.  Each transcript thereafter is $2.00.

Attendance Matters

Good attendance starts with good home routines

When it comes to your middle schooler heading out the door each morning, a little foot-dragging is normal. After all, who wants to leave a cozy bed for a day of classes?

But it’s critical that you not let her stall. Good attendance is vital to her education. It’s your job to make sure she’s in class every day.

To make your middle schooler’s attendance record sparkle:

·       Enforce a sensible bedtime. Middle schoolers need sleep to function, so be sure she gets enough. Occasionally staying up late to finish a project isn’t a crisis, but it shouldn’t be a habit.

·       Stick to a morning routine. Have her wake up at the same time each day. Once she’s up, offer a healthy breakfast (or set one out before you leave for work).

·       Prep the night before. Don’t leave for tomorrow what you can finish tonight! That means her backpack is loaded and waiting at the door. Her clothes are laid out. Her lunch is packed. The less scrambling she has to do, the less likely she’ll be to miss the bus.

Reprinted with permission from the October 2007 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (Middle School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2007 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc.

October 26, 2007

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren

This program, sponsored by the Cobb County Senior Services Department, equips grandparents with skills and resources they need to raise their grandchildren. The program is free and available to Cobb County residents who are 55+ who are raising their grandchildren and/or minor relatives.

Download grg_flyer.pdf

October 01, 2007

October Tribune Article

Here’s a bit of news from our Dickerson counselors.  You’ll also find information about District Magnet Programs and an article printed with permission from Parents Still make the difference!

Parent support may be your child’s greatest motivator of all

Studies show that positive adult influence is critical to kids’ success. Kids who have healthy adult role models:

Feel more secure and optimistic than kids with no role models.

Are less likely to cheat on tests.

Are more likely to feel happy.

Are more likely to believe in their own future success.

Are nine times more likely than other kids to earn straight A’s.

What’s the secret to being a solid role model for your preteen? There isn’t one. Instead, there’s a list of common sense things you can do to keep your preteen motivated and feeling loved. These include:

Not making snap judgments about his character. Take time to get to know who he really is and what makes him tick.

Singing his praises. Preteens get a bum rap; they’re sometimes seen as troublemakers. Don’t let that perception stand. When your child does something terrific, say so!

Listening to him. Don’t dismiss your preteen’s opinions because he’s  “just a kid.” Spend time together and pay attention when he tells you something. This may be the biggest motivator of all.

Reprinted with permission from the October 2007 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (Middle School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2007

September 05, 2007

September Tribune article

Here is the September Tribune article from the Counselors. Look under each Counselor for specific information related to that grade.

Welcome!

If you are new to Dickerson, we are glad you are here. If you are returning to us, welcome back! The Counselors have registered over 100 new students thus far. Newcomer Groups will be held by grade level, culminating with a coffee get together for new students and their parents sponsored by the PTSA.

Counselors also coordinate with PTSA representatives each year to set up parent speakers on a variety of topics, given throughout the year. Be sure to watch for these informational sessions and other updates in the Tribune and on the counselor website. We look forward to working with your sons and daughters this year.