The Cougar Counseling Center
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The Counselor's Corner Remember if you have questions, concerns or just need to talk, you can stop by the counseling center to see Mrs. McDonald and/or Mrs. Yeoman we are always here to help! Heather McDonald Counselor for: 6th grade 8th grade M-Z Maurie Yeoman Counselor for: 7th grade 8th grade A-L ****************************** ****************************
Advice to Middle School Parents:
Some
advice we would give to a parent of a middle school student is to get
to know the school and how it works differently from the elementary
school. Know the testing dates so that medical and dental appointments
don't conflict. Know grade reporting dates. Grades are sent home with
students. Most of all, know the names of your child's teachers and
their e-mail addresses. With all the requirements and limitations on
teachers in today's society, e-mail is a great tool to use to stay
abreast of what is going on with your child.******************** TAKS Testing Dates to Remember for 2008-2009 March 3, 2009 Grade 7 Writing
Grade 8 Reading April 7, 2009 Grade 8 Math April 28, 2009 Grade 6 Math Grade 7 Math April 29, 2009 Grades 6 Reading Grades 7 Reading April 30, 2009 Grade 8 Science May 1, 2009 Grade 8 Social Studies Scroll down to see more helpful tips and iformation from the counselors!!!!
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Upcoming Dates for Registration: May 4th - Parent Night for incoming 6th graders 6:00 - 7:30 May 5th through the 8th - Counselors will be going to the elementary schools to speak to 5th graders about registration May 11th - 7th grade choice sheet discussion in classroom (TBD) May 12th - 6th grade choice sheet discussion in math classes May 15th - 5th grade tours May 18th - computer lab registration for 6th grade - through math classes May 19th - computer lab registration for 7th grade - TBD To the parents of future Kerr Cougars, The Kerr Middle School administration and 6th grade faculty invites you to attend our 5th grade Parent Night, Tuesday May 5th, 2009 from 6-7:30 pm. As your student makes the transition to 6th grade and the secondary level, we want to assist you in helping him/her take the first step toward a successful middle school experience. At Parent Night, we will address many issues you may be wondering about and will respond to any questions you may have concerning: *elective classes *Pre-Advanced Placement courses *dress code *daily schedule *lockers *attendance It is our hope that you and your student leave feeling secure and knowledgeable about the expectations for 6th grade at Kerr Middle School. We will meet in the gym off of Dian Street, known as the Pit. If you need further information, please contact the Kerr Middle School Counseling Center at 817-447-5810. ________________________________________________ |
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Tips for Middle School Parents:
1. Take Pictures. Now things are tickier at this stage. Children turn into teens and you stop and look at your child and say, "Who are you?" It's hard to believe that a few short, precious years ago, that child was smiling up at you as you played peek-a-boo. Pretty soon, this person in front of you will get married (perhaps), have a career, children of his/her own, go to college. Once again, cherish this time, no matter how hard it is. 2. Remain Calm. Hmmm...still this is a strange piece of advice. It gets harder to remain calm when you have your "baby" pointing out your downfalls or flaws. They fight with you in a combination of adult-child techniques. However, they are still your children. Never is it appropriate for your to "fight back" with those techniques. Hurtful words you say today can and will scar for life. 3. Join or form a support group. Are things too tough for you to handle on your own? Then don't. Enlist some help. Years ago, everyone would help in the raising of children. Now days, parents are on their own, but it doesn't have to be that way. Ask your family, friends, or church if they can help. These places might have a special program that is designed to help out working parents. There are so many people around you that would be happy to help you out, just ask! 4. Be obervant. There are many roads your teen can travel. Pay attention. You can possibly prevent some of these roads from being traveled by your teen, maybe even saving his/her life. 5. Educate yourself. Find out what these different roads are that your child can travel. Look for warning signs. Mentally arm yourself for any possibilities. 6. Talk to your teen. Remind yourself to speak to your teen in a more adult manner. Patronizing, condescending tones will get nowhere with a teen. You will be suprised how much they may open up to you when you are respectful of their feelings and encourage them to communicate openly about them 7. Educate your teen. Keep up those teachings of what is right and wrong. They may look like adults, but they are still children that will mold into great people! Be an example. Model the behavior for them. 8. Love your teen. Showing your love gets more complicated at this stage. Everything seems to embarrass your teen. But perhaps listening and really paying attention to what your teen talks about, will help show that you love them. |
OVERCOMING TEST AND PRESENTATION ANXIETY
Do you panic or blank out on tests? Do you make careless errors when people are watching you? Here are some strategies to avoid test and performance anxiety and learn to be calm, clear and alert during assessments. 1. Know the format in advance, including the number of questions and whether it is multiple choice, short answer, or essay. You should not be surprised by the appearance of the test. 2. Think of the test as an opportunity to display what you have learned, rather than a time for the instructor to trick you and focus on your weaknesses. 3. Think about what will be on the test. Are you supposed to memorize terms and facts, or will you be asked to think critically and find relationships? Prepare sample questions if possible. 4. Be purposeful in your studying. One quick glance over the material is not enough. Work to understand and apply new concepts, to store that information in your memory and to be able to retrieve that information for the test. 5. Don’t expect to work out difficult problems on a test if you have not practiced in advance. Do the homework and review before the test. 6. Practice your presentation out loud, in front of a mirror or with a friend. Get used to hearing your own voice and add the sound of confidence. 7. Sleep. Being rested will help you relax and think clearly. All-nighters never help anyone. 8. Practice relaxation exercises. Sometimes focusing on your breathing will help, inhaling positive affirmations and exhaling negative thoughts. Visualize yourself succeeding. 9. Eat. You cannot be your best when you are undernourished. Low fat proteins such as yogurt, cheese sticks, milk, eggs, or meat will sustain you whereas sugars and caffeine will not. Think Atkins or South-beach. 10. Don’t let the insecurities of other classmates discourage you. It’s all about you and what you need to do to be at your best. 11. During the exam, continue relaxation exercises. Focus on keeping your neck and shoulders relaxed. 12. Read the questions carefully, make sure you know what you are being asked to do and request clarification if necessary. Answer the easy questions first and, once you’ve built up some confidence, move onto the harder ones. 13. Don’t spend too much time on one question. Find out how much each section is worth and devote your time accordingly. 14. If you can use a calculator, learn how it works in advance, including helpful shortcuts. Make sure that it has plenty of battery power. 15. Likewise, if you it is an open book test, label the text in advance and mark important pages with post-it notes. This will save time during the test. 16. Concentrate on being alert and attuned to your task. 17. For presentations, type your notes in a large font, double-spaced, so that it is easier to read and to find your place in case you become distracted. 18. Don’t be flustered by students who leave early. They are either brilliant or did not put enough effort into the test (usually the latter.) |