Ms. Rosado

When You Need Help

What should you do if your child complains about a teacher?

Your child has several teachers with different teaching styles and personalities. You can expect her to complain about one of them occasionally. But investigate if complaints become strong and frequent.

Here’s what to do:

• Find out if the problem stems from the teacher’s expectations and assignments. Students commonly “hate” teachers who are too “hard,” too “demanding” and give “too much homework.” Your child may just have to get used to it. Teachers expect more of middle schoolers.
• Talk with your child about her behavior. She may need to adjust her behavior in this teacher’s class. For example, she may need to talk less to her friends in class. Also make sure that your child speaks to the teacher with respect.
• Schedule a conference with the teacher. Get her side of the story and share your child’s. Usually, parents and teachers can work something out.
• Ask to speak to an administrator, if you are truly getting nowhere.

Reprinted with permission from the October 2008 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (Middle School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2008 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Tom McIntyre, The Behavior Survival Guide for Kids, ISBN: 1-57542-132-1 (Free Spirit Publishing, 1-800-735-7323, www.freespirit.com).

School Year 2008 - 2009 is Well Under Way!

With the official start of autumn, there's no doubt that the new school year is well under way!  Our seventh grade class is the largest of the three grades, but the students have settled into pace, are actively engaged in their classes, and are even able to manage the hallways with locker breaks and class changes!

In August, I encouraged parents to work with their children on the "Three C's":  confidence, communication, and (more specifically)  conversation.  Our children didn't just end up in seventh grade.  They worked and demonstrated their ability to progress.  For the times they feel uncertain, little is more valuable than the boost of confidence from a parent; confidence that they can think through an academic concern, make the best choice, work out a conflict with a friend, manage their time.

Without communication, little positive can occur!  Please take advantage of the wonders of technology.  Teachers maintain updated blogs for assignment checks and general scoop in the classroom, e-mail provides quick and easy transportation of information (though without the benefit of tone and body language), and I Parent to check on grades and help your child be accountable.  Each student should also maintain his/her agenda.

Last of all, let's help our children develop the art of conversation.  Despite what they tell us, they did, in fact, do something that day!  Work on keeping questions open ended!  Asking them to tell us two things they learned that day is more effective than asking IF they learned something that day.  There's the talking part, but the listening part is every bit as important.  It takes patience!  It takes practice!

As many of you know, seventh grade is my personal favorite!  The particular challenges seventh graders face are unique.  Please encourage your child to work with me if you see the need.  As I tell them, I don't "do trouble!".  My job is to help them have the best school day possible.  I appreciate your support!

Sincerely,

Lynn Rosado

Conversation Starters

Students are working with enthusiasm through this school year.  Fluctuating weather, 3 day weekends, upcoming spring break, and the very nature of the middle school student keep them on their toes!

In that light, Ms. Millard and I want you to know that the counseling department has lots of resources to help keep your child, regardless of grade level, in balance.  Besides offering a place to think things through or to participate in small groups, we have pamphlets aimed to many of our students’ primary concerns.

The Parent Institute is the resource used for many of our “QuickTips” and “Student Tips” pamphlets.

“Dealing with Peer Pressure” is one of the pamphlets that helps students work through some of the tough social issues they face.  Addressed are ideas like “Pick friends who share your interests & values”, “Invite kids to your house”, “Know your values and trust your feelings”,  “Plan ahead”, “Practice ways to say no”, “How to decide when you have to make a tough choice”, and “Developing a back-up plan”. 

Also along the social issues’ line there is “Resolving Conflicts”, “Popularity & Friendship Problems” and “Coping with Divorce”.

The next time you wonder what conversation you can initiate with your middle schooler, please think of these resources.  We believe they can open doors to communication and offer some solid suggestions.

January Tribune Article

Grade 7

One of my favorite educators is a professor at Harvard named Howard Gardner.  Dr. Gardner believes that we all have intelligences in multiple areas.  Through this winter time, the students have taken the opportunity to learn a little more about Gardner's multiple intelligences and to rate themselves in each area.  How about you?  What areas of “smartness” work best for you?

Ask your child to tell you about the different areas.  Spatial deals with imagining how a space will look before you even begin; Bodily Kinesthetic encompasses coordination, strength, agility and so forth; Linguistic is “word smart”; Musical strength includes a distinction for sound; Naturalist includes an eye for detail; Interpersonal folks are good communicators and natural leaders; and the Intrapersonal aspect has to do with knowing ourselves.  Then, the question is:  How do I use these areas of strength to be a better student?  A good friend?  A person who is helpful?

Begin a conversation today.  Who knows what fun things you’ll learn!

Welcome to Our Grade 7 Counselor's Blog!

How was the first quarter for you?  Were new friends made?  Was homework organization a challenge?  Are you wondering how your assignments are affecting your grades?  If there's anything you'd like to talk about or anything you're wondering about, please stop by and see me.  If I'm not immediately available, just complete a blue slip and drop it into my counselor's mailbox.  I'll get back with you.  Promise!

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.