WMS Post
April 9-13, 2018
We Are A.R.M.Y. Strong!!
Yearbook Sales
Your student will be bringing home an order form for the yearbook this week. The price is $20. Make sure to pre-order yours to get the lowest price. You can return the order form to Mrs. Kavanaugh with cash or check made out to Washington Middle School or you can use the link below to order online. Get yours today!
www.inter-state.com/Yearbooks Use order Code: 24474M
8th Grade Spring Pictures Scheduled
Track Meet
Thursday, Apr 12, 2018, 04:30 PM
Harrison High School, Fielding Road, Evansville, IN, USA
Spring Fling
How to Talk to your Teen
By Katie Omohundro, LCSW, Tuesday, April 3, 2018 –
Communication can be a tricky thing. When you add an adolescent with a growing brain and fluctuating emotions to the mix, communication with the goal of balancing freedom for teens and control from caregivers can be a challenge.
Here are five points to consider that may help improve communication and your relationship with your teen:
- Change your mindset. Being flexible helps. This does not mean we should go against what we believe is best for our children. You should be flexible, however, and try to understand your teen’s perspective. Doing this instead of digging in your heels to show “who’s boss” will encourage better flow of communication.
- Allow your child to grow up. During adolescence kids go from having their parents as the center of the universe to avoiding them and thinking they’re clueless. These reactions are perfectly normal. It can be difficult to avoid fighting the quirkiness of adolescence, but allowing time for your teen to navigate through these changes and grow up to make healthy decisions is part of growing up. Coaching rather than micromanaging encourages kids to maneuver through life while feeling confident they have someone to help them along the way.
- Make each moment a teachable one. Asking ourselves what really matters during these years can help keep things in perspective. Be present and find those teachable moments. Avoid constant lectures on touchy subjects like schoolwork and chores and the urge to give unsolicited advice. This helps focus the conversation on listening and hearing what is important to your child.
- Be real. Being honest with your teen about how you feel allows them to see your struggles and vulnerable side. If you’re afraid your child is going to get involved with a crowd that’s into risky behaviors, it’s okay to let your child know you worry about him and don’t want him spending time with people known to make unhealthy decisions. Don’t let fear drive you. If you’re too strict and intrusive it can lead to teen rebellion, which isn’t good for anyone. Being authentic and vulnerable will make it easier for your teen to show you that side of them, too.
- Validate your teen’s feelings and emotions. Validate your teen by letting them know you understand their feelings. Validation does not mean you agree with or condone the behavior but rather means you’re not judging. Validating feelings allows teens a safe space to open up and allows parents to meet teens where they are.
The foundation of a healthy parent-teen relationship begins with trust, mutual respect, and the ability to pick and choose battles. Figuring out what our “non-negotiables” are (such as no drinking or no texting while driving) is a must. Share these with you teen so they know where you stand. Every child needs guidance, especially during adolescence.
Although the adolescent years may seem to drag on, they’ll be gone in no time. Finding a balance that works for you and your family can make those years enjoyable when it comes to communication and a healthy relationship with your teen.
Posted in communicationTagged communicating with teen, communication, communication with teen, Heather Miller, parent and teen relationship, talking to teen, talking with teen8th Grade Recognition Scheduled
The dress code: Ladies can wear dresses, skirts or dress pants. Dresses and skirts must be longer than finger tip length and shoulders must be covered. If girls are wearing dresses with tank tops or straps, they can cover shoulders with sweaters or jackets.
Gentlemen are encouraged to wear dress shirts and ties or bow ties. Jackets and suits are encouraged.
Parking: Parking will be limited to the football stadium parking lot along Highway 41. Please enter the doors that face Washington Avenue. The main parking lot will only be open for handicapped family members.
This is a formal event to honor the work of our students. We ask that you help us model appropriate and respectful behavior during this event by clapping respectfully and refraining from yelling as student names are being called. This is out of respect for all families, so they can also hear their child's name.
How is your child doing in classes?
http://rdsteach.evsc.k12.in.us/rdsparentaccess/
If you have questions or concerns about grades you can contact your child's teachers, Mrs. Bender Carrie.Bender@evsc.k12.in.us or Administration to set up meetings.
Teacher Websites
6th Grade:
7th Grade:
8th Grade:
Related Arts:
Resource
Two helpful websites for extra practice
www.noredink.com - This is a grammar and language website that supports writing skills. Students will take a diagnostic test this week which will guide them to the lessons, practice and quizzes that they need. Students will work through those lessons each week during WIN period. If you'd like to also support continued growth, please have them work on their lessons at home.
www.prodigygame.com - This is a math game that starts students at certain levels after taking an intro test. Students start at their level and work through the lessons and practice. We will also be working on this during WIN to support student growth in math, but they are encouraged to work on this outside of school as well.
Please let us know if you have any questions about these programs. Thank you in advance for supporting our students' growth in academics.
After-School Programs
All clubs run from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm, with the exception of STEM Club (4:30 pm - 5:30 pm). Each club member is provided a snack beforehand, and bus transportation home is provided.
Children and youth who participate in after-school programs reap a host of positive benefits in a number of areas—academic, social/emotional, and health and wellness. (2008, p. 2)
Programs are as follows:
Hockey - Students are bused to Swonder Ice Arena for lessons and scrimmages on ice. The equipment can be rented. The season runs from October to March every Monday.
Book vs. Movie Club – Students will read books, or excerpts from books and then watch movies that are based on that book. Students then discuss which version they liked better and why. Book vs. Movie will meet on Monday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Chronicles of YARNia – Students learn how to crochet and knit. Students will learn basic stitches, how to read a pattern, and learn how to make a sampler blanket. Chronicles of YARNia meets on Monday 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
DIAMONDS – The DIAMOND program, is a YMCA based program that promotes healthy choices and healthy relationships. This program is for female students, and focuses on establishing goals and increasing self-esteem and also encourages volunteering and community service. DIAMONDS program on Monday and Wednesday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Y-CAP - The Y-CAP program is also a YMCA based program for young men. This program is an evidence-based program that works with young men and their families, enhancing their mental, educational, social and physical development and by helping them reach their fullest potential. The Y-CAP group programs on Monday and Wednesday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Penny Lane – Students are offered study time with a tutor. Penny Lane meets on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Minecraft Club – Students use this computer game to build and design structures, achieving personal gaming goals. Minecraft requires students to use critical thinking skills and creativity. Minecraft meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
STEM Club – The STEM program is a new addition to after-school programs. Different STEM kits are rented weekly. These kits contain tools and items that can be used to help students learn more about Science and Math. STEM Club meets on Tuesday and Thursday from 4:30 pm - 5:30 pm.
Mythology Club – Students learn about Greek Mythology and participate in the National Mythological exam. This particular program will be a nationally registered and recognized club with excellence in the classics! Mythology meets on Thursday.
Drama Club – Students learn about basic movement exercises and acting skills. Drama club meets on Thursday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Pokemon Club – Students are invited to bring their own Pokemon cards, where they can play against each other or trade their cards. Students really enjoy the social engagement aspect of Pokemon Club. Pokemon Club meets on Friday from 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm.
Study Cafe and Retakes
If your child needs additional support with any subject, they can stay after for tutoring. In order to schedule after school tutoring, students can sign up with Mr. Walls in Room 26A or parents can email Mr. Walls at dominic.walls@evsck12.com.
We are trying to keep the classes small, so students can get the help they need. If students do not sign up for the sessions or schedule an assessment with their teacher, they will not be able to stay. Please let us know if you have questions or concerns regarding help for your child.
Washington Middle School Community Supporters
Contact Us!
Email: michele.branson@evsc.k12.in.us
Website: http://washington.evscschools.com/
Location: 1801 Washington Avenue, Evansville, IN, United States
Phone: (812) 477-8983
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wmsarmystrong