Guidance
Guidance
Counselor's Corner
Counselor's Corner
Ms. Hoyt and Mrs. Palumbo
Ms. Hoyt and Mrs. Palumbo
Whether your child is starting GTMS as a 7th grader, or returning as an 8th grader, the school counselors are here to help . Located in the hallway adjacent to the main office, we invite our students to come to our offices to talk with us about anything that may be impacting their school lives.
Whether your child is starting GTMS as a 7th grader, or returning as an 8th grader, the school counselors are here to help . Located in the hallway adjacent to the main office, we invite our students to come to our offices to talk with us about anything that may be impacting their school lives.
Parents are encouraged to call or email us with any questions or concerns. Parents usually ask their child, “So how was school today”? Parents usually get the answer, “Fine.” All the staff at GTMS who have been given the opportunity to educate your child, work diligently to ensure your child learns and has a “good day.” Whether a veteran 8th grader or a new 7th grader, some days may not be “fine.” We encourage parents to contact us if your child has told you someone is bullying them, teasing them, or making them feel uncomfortable. Encourage your child to seek us out. If they hesitate because they may feel they are “telling” on someone, please speak for them and let us know. We like to hear about potential issues early, and will work to address them sooner.
Parents are encouraged to call or email us with any questions or concerns. Parents usually ask their child, “So how was school today”? Parents usually get the answer, “Fine.” All the staff at GTMS who have been given the opportunity to educate your child, work diligently to ensure your child learns and has a “good day.” Whether a veteran 8th grader or a new 7th grader, some days may not be “fine.” We encourage parents to contact us if your child has told you someone is bullying them, teasing them, or making them feel uncomfortable. Encourage your child to seek us out. If they hesitate because they may feel they are “telling” on someone, please speak for them and let us know. We like to hear about potential issues early, and will work to address them sooner.
About “Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying” (HIB)
About “Harassment, Intimidation and Bullying” (HIB)
By now I’m sure you’ve heard of the “HIB” laws in New Jersey. By state definition harassment, intimidation or bullying means: any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents, that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental , physical or sensory (handicap)disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic…that takes places on school property, at any school sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds as provided for in section 16 of P.L.2010, Chapter 122, that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students.
By now I’m sure you’ve heard of the “HIB” laws in New Jersey. By state definition harassment, intimidation or bullying means: any gesture, any written, verbal or physical act, or any electronic communication, whether it be a single incident or a series of incidents, that is reasonably perceived as being motivated either by any actual or perceived characteristic, such as race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or a mental , physical or sensory (handicap)disability, or by any other distinguishing characteristic…that takes places on school property, at any school sponsored function, on a school bus, or off school grounds as provided for in section 16 of P.L.2010, Chapter 122, that substantially disrupts or interferes with the orderly operation of the school or the rights of other students.
As counselors in the middle school, many times we need to try to differentiate between CONFLICT and HIB. Conflict involves mutual competitive or opposing action or engagement, which includes disagreements, arguments and fights. Conflict is a normal part of growing up. You , as parents, can help give your child the skills they need to resolve conflict. We, as counselors, can help your child by offering conflict resolution and mediation. Learning how to resolve and reduce conflict is a skill that can be used throughout one’s lifetime.
As counselors in the middle school, many times we need to try to differentiate between CONFLICT and HIB. Conflict involves mutual competitive or opposing action or engagement, which includes disagreements, arguments and fights. Conflict is a normal part of growing up. You , as parents, can help give your child the skills they need to resolve conflict. We, as counselors, can help your child by offering conflict resolution and mediation. Learning how to resolve and reduce conflict is a skill that can be used throughout one’s lifetime.
Anti-Bullying Specialist
Anti-Bullying Specialist
Mrs. Palumbo, GTMS
Mrs. Palumbo, GTMS
District Anti-Bullying Coordinator
District Anti-Bullying Coordinator
Ms. Christine Burgess
Ms. Christine Burgess
Phone: 748-1250 x1012
Phone: 748-1250 x1012