Parent Connection - August 31, 2018

I really enjoyed seeing our hallways full again with an energetic buzz this past Wednesday at our annual Open House.  We are ready to welcome the kids back to school on Tuesday morning.  Student schedules are available on the Parent Portal, and will also be available for students on the first day in their first class of the day.  Our teachers will greet the students on the playground in the morning, and then the students will enter the building at 7:28, head to their lockers first, gather their belongings, then head to the gym for our opening welcome assembly.  Students will then report to their first class of the day.  We are really excited to begin learning more about each of our kids, and starting this year's journey of learning and discovery.

A Mother's Reminder to Her Middle School Child

The activity described at the link below provides a strong visual reminder for everyone about the power of their words.  Check it out below.

"You’re Going To Want To Borrow This Mom’s Viral Lesson On The Power Of Words" - Maria Guido

Cell Phone Use Policy at School
Cell phones/iPods etc. are a part of our daily life in 2018. At school, these devices have the potential to be a big distraction for any kid, and many of the communication apps have an addictive nature to them.  A recent NPR article shines a light on this issue.  For middle school students, I would recommend that cell phones stay home if possible.  While our policy allows for students to use their devices before school and at lunch, there is so much value to face to face communication and interaction for our students. 

We will utilize technology in class frequently, and if students need a device for any purpose, it will be provided.  Distracting cell phone use in class is a violation of the student handbook, and calls for the device to be turned over to the staff member and submitted to the office.  On a first offense, the student can pick up the device at the end of the day.  For subsequent offenses, the handbooks states that parents will be contacted to come pick up the device at the office.

We are committed to teaching our kids how to engage with electronic devices in the most appropriate manner for use in their daily lives.

Welcome to the Poynette Middle Parent Connection Blog

This blog is designed to provide our Poynette Middle School parents resources to help them navigate their journey of raising a teenager today.  This blog will share some information not only about things happening at school, but also resources to help your son/daughter with social issues that may arise during this time period in his/her life.  Feel free to enter your email address in the "Follow by Email" text box, and you will receive a notification anytime a post is entered.

Open House
Our Open House is Wednesday, August 29th from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.  This a great opportunity for students to come in and drop off their supplies at their locker, follow their schedule, and meet their teachers.  Students and parents can view their schedules on the Parent Portal, or can pick up a hard copy at the office.  We very much look forward to seeing all of the kids back in our buildings next week!

First Day of School
Our first student day is on Tuesday, September 4th.  When students arrive to school, they should proceed to the Middle School Playground area at the east side of the Elementary/Middle School.  When the doors open at 7:28, students will report to the gym for a brief assembly before heading to their 1st class of the day.

Parent-Teen Connect
https://www.parenteenconnect.org/ is a website that provides multiple resources for parents on a variety of topics.  This website is a companion to the Social-Emotional Learning program that we use with all of our Middle School students during our Homeroom lessons.  I recommend taking a minute to check it out, and save it as a favorite to reference.

Below is a resource about Screen Time
Real Voices

Expert Advice