Welcome Guidance Breakfast 2016 Glen Ridge High School Grades 7 and 8

1. WelcomeGuidance Breakfast 2016Glen Ridge High SchoolGrades 7 and 8

2. Middle School Years Learning Community Transition Getting Involved friendships School Spirit

3. The conflicted “middle-schooler” Risk-takers, curious, adventurous yet Feelings are hurt easily Seek independence yet Need to be pampered and protected Withdraw and want private life yet Seek acceptance from peers Demand privileges yet Avoid responsibilities

4. Communicating with Your Middle Schooler • Open-ended questions • Ex: Tell me about your day! • Listening • Be available • Good times to talk might be when you’re making dinner or driving together. • Watch for non verbal cues • Verbal communication is difficult for kids. Watch for body language such as eating and sleeping patterns, mood changes, and academic performance.

5. Welcome New Glen Ridge Parents! • Encourage after-school activities • Meeting students with similar interests • Sense of belonging • Family activities • Sense of security • Friendships • Friendships boosts confidence • Expect friendship shifts!

6. Support System • GR website – www.glenridge.org • Family Access (Skyward) • Agenda / Assignment Book • Period 9: 2:50 - 3:15 • Media Center: open until 4:00 • Text Books • Have an online version (teachers will provide codes when necessary) • District website – Textbook Inventory

7. Support System (cont.) • Study Skills transition course (7th) • Counselor Cycle Visits (7th) • Peer leadership (8th) • Study Hall period • 7th - 2 X per week • 8th – 1X per week (plus Peer Leadership) • Peer Tutoring (HS Honors Societies) • Homework Club • Room 229, Thursdays, Period 9

8. Web Communication • Google Drive • Classroom • Calendar • Docs/Sheets/Slides • School Wires • www.glenridge.org • High School-Faculty-Teacher Name

9. Student Recognition • Citizenship • Various recognitions and celebrations throughout the year to recognize character. • Academics • High Honor Roll • All A’s in every class each marking period. • Honor Roll • All A’s and B’s in every class each marking period • Honors Breakfast in June

10. Peer Leadership Weekly meetings with senior peer leaders for team building and character education activities September 30: PL Field Day October 5: First PL meeting, then meets every Thursday through June Meet 2 Peer Leaders

11. Individual Counseling Personal / social Emotional Academic Crisis Classroom Presentations Presenting a variety of topics in a classroom setting Small Group Counseling Counseling a small group based on a common need How may I help?

12. Confidentiality

13. Getting Involved… Builders Club (Community Service) Drama Club Feminism Club/Girls Learn International Jazz Band Madrigals Math Counts Middle School Mentors (8th grade only) Newspaper (Journalist) Student Council Yearbook See the Middle School webpage for more information. New Clubs! See Ms. Landgraber if you are interested in starting a new club.

14. Upcoming Events Class Trips • TBD September 23: Movie/BBQ Night October 21: Middle School Dance November 18: Middle Activity Night

15. Testing • InView (7th Graders): March 27, 2017 • PARCC: Late April/Early May • NJASK EOY Science (8th Graders): May 31

16. Looking ahead. . . Scheduling for 2017- 2018 Academic Placements are based on teacher recommendations Waiver Policy- Minimum Requirements Students currently enrolled in… Honors Course in the subject area: C+ College Prep Course in the subject area: B+

17. What a team! High School Counselors • Mrs. Lindsey Deptula • Mr. Joseph Mazzarella • Mrs. Vivian Petrosino In Collaboration With… • Mrs. Heather Kobylinski – SAC • Mrs. Non-Student Services • ESS

18. How to contact me • Office: A200 • Phone: 973-429-8300 ext. 2010 • Email: jlandgraber@glenridge.org

19. Have a terrific year!