Middle School Counseling
School Counselors:
JoAnn Hester- 6th Grade & 7th Grade Navigators (joann_hester@dpsnc.net)
Shonda Middleton-7th Grade Explorers & 8th Grade (shonda_middleton@dpsnc.net
Ms. Middleton's Counseling Request Form
Embedded Files
10 Ways to Earn Good Grades in Middle School
1. Do Your Homework
1. Do Your Homework
Your grade is generally calculated by adding up all of the points you earn and dividing by the total number of points possible. If you fail to do some of your work, these zeroes can severely bring down your grade.
2. Pay Attention
2. Pay Attention
Your teachers will likely tell you everything you need to know to be successful. If you listen while they impart this knowledge, you will be more likely to hear and remember the information they share.
3. Study
3. Study
The topics covered in middle school are more complex than those discussed in elementary. To fully understand these more difficult ideas, you need to study. Review your notes, re-read your book and make flashcards to cement your understanding.
4. Take Tests Seriously
4. Take Tests Seriously
Tests are often a large part of your grade. If you don't try your hardest on a test, you may make it impossible for yourself to earn back the points you lost.
5. Avoid Distraction
5. Avoid Distraction
When your teacher is talking, look at her, not at your friends across the room. It may be fun in the short term to get distracted, but you must think about your long-term grade goals and avoid the temptation to let your focus stray.
6. Get and Stay Organized
6. Get and Stay Organized
In the absence of organization, papers and notes can easily become lost. Use a divider or folders and set up an organization system. Keep yourself organized throughout the year to save time and reduce work loss.
7. Follow School Rules
7. Follow School Rules
If you do not follow school rules, you risk getting suspended or even expelled. You can't get good grades if you are not in school. Stay in school by doing what you are supposed to do.
8. Pick Good Friends
8. Pick Good Friends
If focusing on academics is important to you, you should select friends who share your studiousness. Surrounding yourself with friends who want to earn good grades will help you keep yourself on track.
9. Study with a Partner
9. Study with a Partner
Studying is much more palatable if you don't do it alone. Pair up with a buddy and turn study time a social event.
10. Ask for Help
10. Ask for Help
Your teachers and parents will help you, but you have to ask for assistance. If you don't understand something or are struggling, seek help instead of trying to fight through it alone.
How to Make Friends in Middle School
Be friendly and approachable.
Practice striking up conversations with people.
Ask questions to keep a conversation going.
Sit at a new table during lunch.
Chat with someone who's alone.
Try out for a sports team.
Join an after-school club.
Durham Public Schools Monthly Character Education Traits
July/August/September
SELF-DISCIPLINE
Demonstrating hard work and commitment to purpose; regulating yourself for improvement and restraining from inappropriate behaviors
October
KINDNESS
Being considerate, courteous, helpful, and understanding of others; showing care, compassion, friendship, and generosity; and treating others as you would like to be treated
November
GOOD JUDGMENT
Choosing worthy goals and setting proper priorities; thinking through the consequences of your actions
December
RESPECT
Acting with tolerance, courtesy, and dignity toward one another; and understanding that all people have value as human beings.
January
RESPONSIBILITY
Being dependable in carrying out obligations and duties; showing reliability and consistency in words and conduct; being accountable for your own actions; and being committed to active involvement in your community
February
INTEGRITY
Having the inner strength to be truthful, trustworthy, and honest in all things; acting justly and honorably
March
COURAGE
Having the determination to do the right thing even when others don't and the strength to follow your conscience rather than the crowd, and attempting difficult things that are worthwhile
April
PERSEVERANCE
Being persistent in the pursuit of worthy objectives in spite of difficulty, opposition, or discouragement; and exhibiting patience and having the fortitude to try again when confronted with delays, mistakes, or failures.
May/June
CITIZENSHIP
Serving a community by assuming the duties, rights, and privileges of belonging to the community
Confidentiality in CounselingMost things mentioned by the student in counseling are held in confidence. The exception is when the Counselor believes there is a danger to the student or others. The law requires School Counselors to report such situations.
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