Counseling Events, Ideas, & Meetings

Report Conversation Ideas

Receiving reports can be a stressful time for both parents and students. As middle school is a time to learn new skills for future success, before you read the report Friday afternoon (via PowerSchool), please ask yourself, "What is my best hope moving forward?" Whatever your answer, remember that (a) nothing can change what has already happened and (b) hurtful comments are NOT motivational for adolescents.

Next, talk to your child BEFORE the report is available to review, asking what you will see in the report and what needs to be done to maintain or build success moving forward. If 'building' is needed, here are some guiding questions to help your child paint a clear picture: "What will you be doing? When (specific times)? Where? What will I notice? What do you need? How can I help?" After each question, simply smile and wait. Most adolescents will start talking once they realize communication is their only path to escape the situation. Then, you can write down any plan that gets created.

On Friday, read the comments and grades together. If the information matches what was discussed, complement your child for accuracy and ask how things are going in Q2. If things do not match, however, repeat the process listed above.

Upcoming Student and Parent Events

- Parent gatherings - There was interest before we went virtual, but then things got crazy. If you have interest now, please complete this survey. If more than five parents want to discuss any one topic at similar times, we will launch these again in February.

Events to Date (Q1-2)

- New Student Lunches (with the counselor)

- Individual meetings with new students (by appointment with the counselor during Q1 and early Q2)

- G6-8 individual meetings with G6-8 students (by appointment with the counselor, Q1-4)

- MS Student wellness check surveys (starting soon)

- Follow-up with students based on survey results (done by Learning Lab teachers, the counselor, and the principal)

- Counselor/Parent meetings (both a parent group and whole-school events; to resume in late winter)

- Responsive care counselor meetings with students and/or parents (Q1-4)

- Student Success meetings (G6-8 throughout the year) to help create plans for students who are struggling academically

- Periodic student-led, counselor-guided lunch groups (Q2-4)

Meet with Joe?