Navigating Middle School Transition at Harper Park: Tips and Resources
Middle school transition tips focusing on students' concerns, interdisciplinary teams at Harper Park, the role of the United Mental Health Team, and guidelines for parent-teacher conferences. Insightful guidance and support for a positive transition.
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MIDDLE SCHOOL 101 Tips for a positive transition to Harper Park Middle School
What are middle schoolers most concerned with? Friends --- Self-Image --- School--- Activities
We Are a Team! IN MIDDLE SCHOOL, THE STUDENTS LOCKERS AND MOST CORE COURSES ARE IN A HOUSE . THE DEAN, COUNSELOR AND SECRETARY WORK TOGETHER TO KEEP THE HOUSE IN ORDER. DEANS: HELP KEEP STUDENTS SAFE AND REMIND STUDENTS TO FOLLOW THE RULES. THEY WILL ALSO WORK WITH TEACHERS ON INSTRUCTION AND CURRICULUM. COUNSELORS: HELP STUDENTS IN THREE MAIN WAYS: INDIVIDUALLY, SMALL GROUPS, AND CLASSROOM LESSONS. CLASSROOM LESSONS INCLUDE BULLY PREVENTION, ACADEMIC PLANNING AND CAREER EXPLORATION. SECRETARIES: HANDLE ATTENDANCE, BUS PASSES, EARLY DISMISSALS AND GENERAL HOUSEKEEPING DUTIES.
Harper Park Teaming Interdisciplinary Teams (IT s) 6th Grade-Whirlwind, Lightening, Thunder 7th Grade Storm, Twister, Bolt 8th Grade Jet Stream, Tsunami, Cyclones Typically English, Science and Social Studies teachers are on each team. These teachers get together regularly to plan, discuss interventions for kids, meet with Dean/Counselor, have parent meetings. Collaborative Learning Teams (CLT s) These are all of the teachers from the same department in a grade level, for example: Social Studies 6 teachers. They collaborate on common lessons and assessments, analyze data from their diagnostic tools, and ensure that all kids are getting the same content and meeting the same standards in that content area.
United Mental Health Team New this year, LCPS has added an additional counselor, and a full time Social Worker to each middle school! The United Mental Health Team consists of: School Counselors, Social Worker, Psychologist, Administrators, Nurse, Student Assistance Specialist (substance abuse prevention), and can also include: SRO, Attendance officer, Community Agency personnel, and more. Goal: We meet regularly to discuss school programs and resources that support students mental health needs. We will collaborate with stakeholders to continuously work to improve all that we have to offer our students and their families.
PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES * *HOW? HOW? May be requested by a parent, teacher, dean, May be requested by a parent, teacher, dean, counselor, case manager, or student counselor, case manager, or student * *WHO? WHO? Usually will include all core teachers, parents, Usually will include all core teachers, parents, counselor, dean, and sometimes the student.. counselor, dean, and sometimes the student.. * *WHAT? WHAT? A good time to communicate about academic A good time to communicate about academic successes and concerns, work habits, classroom successes and concerns, work habits, classroom procedures, and behavior. procedures, and behavior. * * WHY? WHY? An opportunity for you to ask questions AND provide An opportunity for you to ask questions AND provide essential feedback to teachers about your child. essential feedback to teachers about your child. *Assume positive intentions: we ALL want what is best for *Assume positive intentions: we ALL want what is best for your child, working together to make that happen is the your child, working together to make that happen is the easiest way to get there! easiest way to get there!
Parent Basics-Academic Support Establish homework routine: check agenda, check websites, provide quiet place-there is always homework! Check Phoenix parent portal/Google Classrooms- do this WITH your child-you can see what they need to be doing Expect success! At HPMS we operate with systems to ensure success. Communicate directly with teachers: if you have questions/concerns about a class, just ask the teacher! Email or phone is fine. Work with us- if you reach out with a problem, we will work together to resolve it, we ALL have your child s best interest at heart-ASSUME GOOD INTENTIONS Stay informed of what s happening at HPMS: Like us on Facebook: Harper Park Middle School_official, follow us on Twitter @HPMS_Official
What is My Students Day Like? 20 minute homeroom each day 4 -88 minute classes per day Exceptions: 6th graders Music/Resource-45 minutes each, 7th graders Music or Art/Resource-45 minutes each 6th graders have English every day All other classes are every OTHER day (except for certain math support classes) 30 minute lunch mid day Advisory-once a week for 25 minutes
Sample of Clubs/Activities Allegro Strings Team Sports Ecology French Cooking Student Activities Council Fellowship of Christian Athletes Walking Book Club Harper Park Live We provide late bus transportation on club days!
Parent Basics-Social/Emotional *Remember that they are little kids in big bodies. They need boundaries, love and patience. *Always listen first, talk later. *Get to know their friends AND their friends parents! *Always call to see if the other parent is home. *Limit technology. *It s ok to be the bad guy or the uncool parent. *Reach out to your counselor-Don t be embarrassed to ask for help, we have probably helped a family through it before They are very quickly moving from this to this C:\Users\aharper2\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\CEFV4WAC\MP900446469[1].jpg
Understand their Technology -In order to protect and guide your child, learn as much as you can about their technology. -Be aware of Cyber Bullying and how it can effect your child. -Do you know what Snap Chat, Musical.ly and Instagram are? What about Finsta? Your kids do, or will soon. What about Fortnite? Who are they playing with? -Link all devices to monitor texts and activity
Bullying Prevention in MiddleSchool: Bullying is the repeateduse of one s strength or status for the purpose of intimidating or injuring another person. Please help your kids understand the difference between bullying and mistreatment HPMS Anti-Bullying efforts 6th-Bullying basics: what is it, how to help stop it, what to do if it happens. 7th-Sexual Harassment 8th- Cyber/online bullying-emotional consequences of bullying 7th and 8th-Camfel Presentation: It s My Life 6th and 7th-Same Sky presentation All: Alliance (PBIS), Legacy (Advisory)-making connections with kids -Wellness Wednesdays-focusing on Mental and Emotional Health -Month of October-Bullying Prevention Month-weekly lessons in Advisory Staff development: what to look for and how to help/prevent Online Reporting form-main HPMS website
PBIS Buses & Bus stops Cafeteria & Common Areas Hallways & Locker Restroom Classroom EXPECTATIONS Stay seated Use agenda as Use it, don t Be safe Pass abuse it Leave it clean Leave it clean Walk to the Follow RED Eye tickets Be There (Responsibility) Recycle right ZONE rule Be on time Be aware Follow RED Report any ZONE rule problems Respond & follow adult directions Enter & Exit Get in & Get out Walk with a purpose Respond & follow adult directions Eye tickets Give me 5 Follow group plan Bring class materials Bring what you Use good need Respond & follow adult directions Be Ready (Readiness) hygiene Get in & Get out quietly Ride your assigned bus Respect others personal belongings Use appropriate language and Eye tickets Use proper etiquette Use appropriate language & Follow adult directions Use appropriate language & volume Give me 5 Respect Respect privacy Be courteous Be Kind (Respect) peers and
Career & College Readiness! 6th Graders will: --Students begin to explore their future and possibilities, including specialized high schools, and setting goals. 7th Graders will: --Collaboration between Counselor and FACS teacher, extensive Career/College Exploration lessons in FACS classes -Create 6 Year Academic Plans of Study 8th Graders will: -Do College Search via Naviance, selecting specific parameters to find their match. -Visit a GMU! October 10 and 11. -Meet with high school counselors to make effective course selections for 9th grade
HPMS COUNSELOR CONTACT INFO 6th GRADE: Anna.Blevins@lcps.rog 7th Grade: Leslie.Kole@lcps.org 8TH GRADE: Jude.Misik@lcps.org All students receiving Special Education Services: Ashley.Harper@lcps.org We all can be reached by calling the main school number: 571-252-2820
Another Great Resource for Parents: Our Parent Liaison is Neldy Negron -Assists families in need with community based services: food, clothing, supplies, medical care -Helps to facilitate parent-school communication -Supports parents in becoming more involved in their children s education -You can find her at HPMS Tues/Thurs from 9- 3:30pm. -Ella tambi n habla espa ol !
UPCOMING DATES October 10 and 11 October 10 and 11- -8 8th th grade trip to GMU October 16 and 17 October 16 and 17- -7 7th th grade trip to Newseum October 19 October 19- -Same Sky Same Sky- -6 6th th and 7th October 24 and 25 October 24 and 25- -6 6th th grade trip to Gettysburg grade trip to Gettysburg October 26 October 26- -Neil McNerney, Parent Coffee: Instilling Neil McNerney, Parent Coffee: Instilling Grit in Your Children Grit in Your Children November 30 November 30- -Beth Weatherford, School Beth Weatherford, School Psychologist, Restorative Practice for parents Psychologist, Restorative Practice for parents December 7 December 7- -Megan Marshall, Student Assistance Megan Marshall, Student Assistance Specialist: Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist: Substance Abuse Prevention grade trip to GMU grade trip to Newseum and 7th
