The Magic in the Middle

Arcola Intermediate School

September

One month of school is in the books! We have accomplished so much: getting organized, Chromebooks, Smartpass, clubs, sports, Warrior Win, advisory and teaching and learning daily. There is a ton of information to digest and we are working together to achieve it all. As parents, it is the time to begin gradual release while promoting independence and empowerment! Let's all work together to teach those skills now so we can build that foundation for years to come. Take a peek at some great articles below.

Counselors Corner

The school year is off to a great start and your school counselors want you to know that we are here to help empower, encourage, and inspire your student! Now that we are almost a month in the school year, are you looking for ways to help your child with studying, doing better on tests, or becoming a better reader/writer? We have a number of guides available here: http://www.parent-institute.com/ep/?x02752232. Also check out the Counseling Resources page at: https://www.methacton.org/Page/12709 for more information on a large number of topics such as ADHD, anxiety, study skills, and volunteering.

School counselors focus on helping students achieve academic success, college and career readiness and social/emotional development. In the career readiness domain, eighth grade students have already received their first career lesson of the year as part of their job shadowing project for English. Using the Naviance program, they learned more about John Holland’s vocational theory and how it relates to interests and personality, and that people who choose to work in an environment similar to their personality type are more likely to be successful and satisfied. They also spent time researching careers that fit own personality type.

October 6th marks the start National Mental Illness Awareness Week and October 10th is National Depression Screening Day. Many pediatricians are now routinely screening for signs of depression in our youth. Do you remember whether your child’s pediatrician asked questions about his/her mental health during your last visit? As a parent/guardian, ask your child’s pediatrician if they are routinely screening for depression during well visits. And if you have any concerns about depression in your student, reach out to his/her school counselor. We can assist with resources both in and out of school to help you figure out what to do next.

Finally, next Tuesday marks the start of National Bullying Prevention Month. This campaign was designed to raise awareness of the long-lasting effects that bullying has on children and change the perception that bullying is just a part of growing up. As we know, so much of bullying now takes place online, also known as cyberbullying. Does your teen have the tools needed to handle cyberbullying? Check out this article in Psychology Today: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/shame-nation/201809/does-your-teen-have-tools-handle-cyberbullying

News/Announcements

Title 1 services for reading and math will begin soon. If your child is being recommended for these support services you will be hearing from Mr. Stranix or Mrs. Bath. You can visit our website for more information about such services.
If you have not submitted your pink form to the nurses office please do so so we can be sure to update your child's information.
Please remember to bring your license for entering the building using Lobby Guard- if you are dropping off an item, you can leave it marked in the main vestibule cabinet.
PAYS Survey for grade 8 students only- 10/3
Flu Clinic- 10/23, forms are on our website and in our main office, see below.
Picture re-takes 10/18, see below.
First dance 10/25!