Middle School Counseling Newsletter - October 2023

HAPPY FALL!

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

SCHOOL

OCTOBER 2023

OCTOBER 2023

“In October, any wonderful, unexpected thing might be possible.”

(Elizabeth George Speare, TheWitchofBlackbirdPond)

It seems each year, that October sneaks up quickly! Please remind your daughter(s) to be gentle with themselves as the rst quarter winds down They have accomplished so much thus far this year!

OWNING UP & ROSALIND WISEMAN PRESENTATION

Did you know that our Owning Up program, used with seventh and eighth graders, was written by Rosalind Wiseman? Our seventh graders, who are new to the Owning Up curriculum, received an introduction on September 28 and 29. This program will continue with all seventh and eighth graders through the second and third quarters Our seventh graders will discuss topics such as healthy friendships, conict resolution, and empathy Our eighth graders will discuss topics such as body image, eating disorders, and the media’s portrayal of females in our society

Our MS parent book club continues with our next meeting on Friday, October 6 from 8:00-9:00 a m in Jane’s Place As a reminder, we are reading “QueenBeesand Wannabes:HelpingYour DaughterSurviveCliques, Gossip, Boyfriends, andthe NewRealitiesofGirlWorld”by Rosalind Wiseman On October 6, we will discuss Chapters 5-8 Our third and nal meeting will be held on October 20 Our book club wraps up just in time to welcome Rosalind Wiseman to Visitation Academy the following week

CHADS (COMMUNITIES HEALING ADOLESCENT DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE)

Thank you to those who attended the recent CHADS presentation titled “SOS: Training Trusted Adults” on September 27. All MS students will attend the middle school presentation titled “SOS: Signs of Suicide” on either October 17 or October 19 during the school day. An informational letter will be emailed home to parents soon with details on this presentation and additional resources to consider

ERB STANDARDIZED TESTING

Middle School students are required to take the ERB standardized tests online on the following dates in October:

·

Tuesday, October 10 from 8:00-8:50 a m (Writing Mechanics)

Wednesday, October 11 from 8:00-11:30 a m (Verbal Reasoning, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning)

Note: There will not be a late start on Wednesday, October 11, but there will be an early dismissal at 11:30 a m for all MS/US students. No lunch nor extended day will be offered. Please bring a snack as there will be no lunch or extended day

Thursday, October 12 from 8:00-9:45 a m (Math 1 & 2)

Last week, an email with additional details was sent to all parents. Please make sure your daughter(s) arrive on time for school on testing days If your daughter misses any of the ERB testing, she must make up testing during enrichment periods or after school This will be scheduled with Mrs Giljum and Mrs Jung after October 12

She will present to Viz Faculty/Staff before school on Wednesday, October 25 She will present to parents at 6:00 p m on October 25 (limited seating still available). Finally, on Thursday, October 26, she will present to all US students at 9:00 a m and all Grade 5-8 students from 2:00-3:00 p m We are so excited to welcome her to campus! Please join us if you can!

TESTING TAKING TIPS AND STRATEGIES FOR STANDARDIZED TESTING

1 Prepare ahead of time – A good night’s rest before testing is critical. Please encourage your daughter(s) to eat a full breakfast. They also should come to school each day with a fully charged laptop Standardized testing for middle school is all done on the laptop.\

2. Just before testing – Arrive early to school so your daughter(s) have plenty of time to get to their testing location Testing will begin promptly at 8:00 a m on each day of testing Avoid rushing! Remind them to use the restroom before entering the testing room.

3. During testing – Remind your daughter(s) to read and listen to all directions (pay close attention); read all possible answer choices before selecting an answer; focus on each question individually instead of worrying about the entire test; do not spend too much time on any one question; and skip those they do not know, with a plan to return to them at the end of the test

4 Don’t forget – Your daughter should avoid distractions and work at her own pace

Standardized testing is not a race! Remind her to take deep breaths, feel her feet grounded on the oor for comfort, and avoid comparing herself to others in her testing location Remind her to just do her best!

Additional Test Taking Tips: https://kidshealth org/en/teens/testing-tips html

Additional Tips to Reduce Test Anxiety: https://success oregonstate edu/sites/success oregonstate edu/les/LearningCorner/Tools/t est anxiety 20 pdf

UPCOMING DATES FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLERS

Optional Study Skills Club (Grade 7/NEW Grade 8) – October 19 and 26 (3:00-3:45 p.m.)

Optional MS Wellness Club (Grade 7-8) – October 19 (7:30-8:00 a.m.)

Girl Talk (Grade 6) – October 24

ERB Standardized Testing (All MS students) – October 10-12 (various times, see above)

(Note: No late start and early dismissal at 11:30 a m on Wednesday, October 11 – no lunch or extended day offered)

End of 1st Quarter – October 12

CHADS Classroom Presentations (All MS students) – October 17 and 19

Rosalind Wiseman Student Presentation (All MS students) – October 26 (2:00-3:00 p m )

Cotillion (Grade 8) – October 3, 10, 17, 24 (3:30-5:00 p m )

(Note: Formal dinner/dance will be held in the evening on November 2 at the MAC Downtown.)

CHECK IT OUT - RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

“Cultivate a Mindful Life With Your Daughter” – Center for Mindfulness & CBT (local - Creve Coeur, MO)

a. Ages 8-15 years old plus a parent/guardian

b Various Tuesdays (October-December) from 6:00-7:00 p m (virtual)

c. $40 per session

d For more information, click

https://mindfulstl.com/courses/cultivate-a-mindful-life-with-your-daughter/

Article - Conversations Starters About Teen Mental Health - Newport Academy (September 2023)

https://www.newportacademy.com/resources/mental-health/mental-health-conversations/