1. Middle School 101 Fulton Middle School

2. Fulton’s Mission Statement • The mission of Fulton Middle School is to promote academic excellence and establish a lifelong foundation for success in a safe learning environment. The focus is on the unique needs of middle school learners as they transition from elementary school and move toward the challenges of high school.

3. Ch-Ch- Changes • Move towards independence • Preparing students for high school and beyond! • Middle School is all about learning and growth opportunities • This is the time for students to take chances and learn in a safe environment • Let students learn from experiences – it’s okay to have small failures – if they don’t, how will they learn?

4. Changes in Middle Grade Students • Dramatic changes affecting every aspect of middle school students’ development • Changes in body, brain and behavior • Bones are growing faster than the muscle around them • Forming their identity – exploring who they are • Social Media • Biological clock shifts – need more sleep (9 1/4 hours a night), but stay up later • Calming activities before bed time – no screen time

5. The Middle School Brain • Hypersensitive to their appearance • Body image influences 50%+ of self image (adults about 25%) • Everyone is looking at / staring at / talking about me • Adolescent mind is shifting from concrete to abstract thinking • Brain gets rid of anything not being used • Ability to reason changes the way they talk and act • Frontal lobe starts developing – impulsive behavior, disorganized, sometimes lacking motivation

6. Big Changes are Here • Disorganized – So their room was never neat, but now they cannot find even their bed. And that permission slip?? – Forget about it • Forgetful – Your formerly reliable child suddenly forgets to do homework or forgets to bring their math book home. • Emotional – Sudden outbursts of tears, anger, or unrestrained giggles are pretty much the norm • Exploring – Expect constant changes – what they want this week will be different than last week. • Anxious for Independence – The most important job of a parent is to raise a child who can live on his own. These are the years when your child will start pulling away from you.

7. What does growth mean to parents? • Talk to children about what is physically happening – don’t tease them • Compliment their actions, not their looks • Involve your child in the community • Give students experiences that they can connect their learning to • Engage in activities with your child • FFF= Forced Family Fun – connections are important! • Make sure students have breakfast or a snack to start their day

8. Organization is Key • Multiple teachers throughout the day • Increased assignments and homework • Students need help with organizing binders and folders • Students need support on how to manage their workload • Help Manage School Work • Create a school work management system – ie. planner • Quiet work area and routine study time • Check homework and school loop

9. What is School Loop? • School Loop is a tool to keep communication open between school and home • This tool is used everyday by teachers, students, parents and administration • A way to keep track of your student’s grades and assignments • Email teachers • Students can email fellow students regarding assignments

10. Register for School Loop • Make sure both you and your student have separate accounts • Go to Fulton’s website: fultonms.fvsd.ca.schoolloop.com • Click the link for parent registration • Complete the form (you need the student ID number from your child’s schedule or check with the office) • Click the register button • You are done!

11. How Can I Stay Involved? • Go to school when you’re invited – Back to School Night, Family Nights, Conferences, Open House, Concerts • Join PTA – Although parents don’t volunteer in the classroom at middle school, there are still many ways to help – Monday envelopes, Student Store, fundraisers, etc. • Learn who your child’s teachers are and how to contact them – school loop and teacher email makes communication easy. Be advised, that if it is a question that takes more than a couple of sentences, it is best to set up a conference. • Read the Newsletter and Monday envelope material • Check your School loop emails frequently

12. Encourage Your Child to Get Involved • Research shows that the after school hours are very important for student success. • Those who take part in supervised after-school activities are more likely to do well than those who spend many hours at home alone. • Clubs • Homework Cub – Monday – Wednesday 2:30-3:30 • Helping Hands • PAL and NJHS • Look for more information on future clubs as well

13. Get Involved • Extracurricular Activities • Spirit Days • Noon League Games • Sports Teams / Cheerleading • Homeroom Competitions • Dances • Student Council and Homeroom Reps • Assemblies and Pep Rallies • Volunteer on Campus – peer mentors, student store, ball cart, teacher assistants

14. Thank you for Coming! • Join us for future dates! • Family Science Night – October 28 • Conference Week October 28- November 1 • School Dance October 31 - 12:45-2:15 • November iSafe Family Night