Student Well-Being at OTS

In an advisory system, each student has an adult who knows them and helps them navigate middle school.  Each student needs to know they have at least one adult who they can go to for advice, help, and support.  Advisory groups will be around 10 students.  During Advisory the Advisor may facilitate a meaningful activity, play some games, and foster connections through through play.  Daily advisory will provide times for Advisor to talk and consult with students on issues relating to the academic, social, and emotional.

One of the ways Mrs. Cutri-French, the school counselor, connects with our students is through "Guidance Lunches".   These are one time, small group lunches organized by homerooms which are casual, low-key "getting to know each other" experiences for every student.   Students may talk about their school year, outside activities, offer opinions, explore objects in the guidance office or even play a game of (magnetic) darts!

A few students may initially be reluctant to participate, typically 1)  because they don't want to be away from the social scene in the cafeteria, 2) because they won’t be with their best friends or 3) because it is unfamiliar. 

Most students, though, come away telling others that it was fun!  We encourage you to help your child push through any initial discomfort because of the overall benefits they get when they are comfortable accessing this school resource. If you have any questions, or want to discuss this further,  feel free to call Mrs. Cutri-French at (908) 439-2010 ext 4230.  

Sent home application to 8th grade parents 8/14/23

• 8th Grade Grade Peer Leadership Goals  

• Action Plan to Meet Goals

I shared this quote at Back to School Night last year and wanted to share with our community again.  "Prepare the child for the road, not the road for the child".  This is pulled from a book I read last year; The Coddling of the American Mind.  As a Principal and parent of a two middle schoolers, I feel compelled to share when I find little nuggets of wisdom such as this. 

We do need to remember and understand that the middle school journey can be challenging and stressful at times.  But as a butterfly must struggle and fight to break out of its cocoon in order to have strong enough wings to fly, so must our children struggle to learn and grow as well. Our role is to love and support them through this process so they too can learn to fly!  Enjoy!

All of us at OTS are committed to nurturing the whole child,  and to that end, there is a lot happening at OTS to support the social well-being of ALL our students.   Here are some highlights:

Our Advisory Program is up and running again this year.   Advisory is not just an extended homeroom period.  It is a structured opportunity for teachers to strengthen relationships with a small group of students  in an effort to help them weather the challenges they may face both inside and outside the classroom.  While each teacher is given great latitude with how they will structure and utilize this time, teachers were provided additional training earlier this year in advisory processes and are offered ongoing support and strategies to facilitate this program. In addition, every advisory group has been provided with hands-on activities that can be used  to promote community building, engagement and to just have fun!

Guidance Classes are offered one day a week for one marking period to grades 5, 6 and 7.  These are taught by  Mrs. Cutri-French.  5th Grade classes will cover self-awareness and self-regulation,  6th grade will cover  Bullying  and Conflict Resolution and 7th grade will look at how our brains and emotions are linked, along with the impact of social  media, 

This year we are fortunate to be bringing in community presenters to 5th, 6th and 7th grade Guidance Classes, as well as to our 8th graders:

• A Clinton based art therapist, will be facilitating two art based classes in our 5th and 6th grades focusing on self-awareness and self-management

• Hunterdon Prevention Resources will be offering 3 classes to our 7th and 8th grades as part of their “Lifeskills” program.  7th grade topics will cover Self-Regulation, Cyber Safety and Managing Anger. 8th Grade will cover Coping with Anxiety and Stress,  Communication Skills, and Assertiveness and Resolving Conflict. 

The annual “Week of Respect”  is scheduled for October 3 through 7.   Topics and activities will be determined by Advisory groups and grade levels.  

Mrs. Cutri-French will again be offering ongoing “Guidance Lunches”  (Known at TES as “Lunch Bunch”) as a way to meet and greet all of our students in an informal setting.   Students can sign up during Advisory.   If you have questions about this, reach out to her at mcutrifrench@tewksburyschools.org

Of course, help is available for those students needing more support.  In addition to ongoing   counseling services, small groups focusing on wellness as well groups focusing on anxiety are in the works for later in the year,  with the Tricounty Behavioral Care providing that service.   Parents will be contacted if we believe your child might benefit.  And of course any parent, teacher or student is able to reach out to our school counselor,  Mrs. Cutri-French (908-439-2010 ext 4230)  to discuss specific concerns.