The 2010-11 school year begins

"Opportunities are usually disguised as hard work, so most people don't recognize them."
- Ann Landers

Students are presented with opportunities every day- all of us are. Opportunities come disguised in many different ways. It is important, as parents, to help children see the importance in taking advantage of new opportunities. In middle school, there may be more opportunities for your child to participate in after school activities than he or she has previously had.

Here are some of the many opportunities available to students here at Northview Middle School:

-Music: Band, Chorus, Orchestra

-Athletics: 11 sports (students must be in grades 7 or 8)

-International Club: all grades

-Photography Club: all grades

-Student Council: all grades

-Technology Student Association: all grades

-Battle of the Books: all grades

-Math Counts: all grades

Your child may be a little scared and worried, maybe even a little shy. He or she may be hesitant in joining a new group. Remember, however, that we all have to take risks. These risks often reap huge rewards. Parents can help their students realize the benefits of participating when opportunity knocks.

If we can help you with supplying more information about these opportunities, please give us a call. Welcome to the 2010-11 school year.

Deciding on Discipline

Disciplining middle graders can be difficult. They are not adults and they are not children.

Here are some strategies which may help:

*****BE CLEAR*****

Explain the rules and the consequences before your child breaks the rules so that he/she knows what is at risk. By explaining the rules and consequences before a bad decision is made, your child is making a choice. This system will also allow him to be in charge of his own behavior. At this age, students appreciate being given the opportunity to be in charge.

*****BE FAIR*****

Link the consequence to the behavior/action. For instance, if your child abuses his time on the family computer, he loses his privileges for a day. The punishment is correlated to the action.

*****BE DIRECT*****

Limit your comments to the specific situation occurring at the time. Try not to bring up previous things your child has done or label your child in a negative way ("lazy"). Being calm is also an important message to send. You are sending a message that you still love your middle schooler, no matter what.

The decisions you make as a parent today will effect your child's life for many, many years to come! Your child appreciates rules and boundaries and knowing consequences.