Middle Matters
September 30, 2016
Happy Fall
Student of the Month Spotlight - August
5th Grade - Alex Adams
6th Grade - Parker Arvin
7th Grade - Madalyn McBride
8th Grade - Brooklynn Jones
On Monday, September 26th, Mrs. Wade treated the students with lunch from Dairy Master. Thank you for all of your hard work and effort that you show daily to your teachers. Keep up the good work!
Math Tutoring - 7th/8th Grade
"When It's All Said and Done" - 6th Grade Program
Smart Choices - 5th Grade Program
Student Incentive - NWEA Testing
Important Information
Over the past few weeks, some very important documents have been sent home.
1. ISTEP
Students received ISTEP+ scores from the 2015-16 school year. Please make sure you view these score sheets. Not only do they show test scores, but they also provide resources in areas that your student may need extra assistance.
2. Impact Aid Forms
Impact Aid forms have been sent home. Impact Aid dollars have become a supplemental source of income for our schools to provide quality programs that otherwise, may have been eliminated. Fill out and return forms to school as soon as possible. Please make sure to read the directions attached because the form is different from past years.
3. NWEA Reports
LCSC implemented NWEA Formative Assessment testing, which is a tool utilized to see where each student falls in the learning process in comparison to their peers. The assessment is given 3 times per year (Fall, Winter, Spring). The reports indicate what students are working at, below, or above grade level. Teachers utilize this data to identify strengths and weaknesses of students, drive their instruction, and view how students are projected to do on the ISTEP+. These reports were sent home with mid-terms a few weeks ago.
Youth First News with Mrs. Christmas
September is National Suicide Prevention Month in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in June of 2016, suicide became the second-leading cause of death among teenagers in the U.S. The rate increased from 8 deaths per 100,000 in 1999 to 8.7 deaths per 100,000 in 2014. However, there is reason for hope! Suicide is the most preventable form of death. Mental health professionals believe that many people simply do not know the warning signs so they often go unrecognized in a suicidal loved one. And even when concerns are identified, many people do not know what to do about it or how to help.
Some specific risk factors to be aware of include:
- Having a psychiatric disorder, including depression, and/or family history of such disorders
- Loss of a relationship or break-up
- History of physical or sexual abuse or exposure to violence
- Problems with alcohol or drugs
- Being the victim of bullying
- Being uncertain of sexual orientation
- Exposure to the suicide of a family member/friend or family history of suicidal behavior
Warning signs of potentially suicidal teens might include:
- Talking or writing about suicide — for example, making statements such as "I'm going to kill myself," or "I won't be a problem for you much longer"
- Withdrawing from social contact/interaction, avoiding activities he/she used to enjoy
- Having mood swings
- Increasing use of alcohol or drugs
- Hopelessness and/or helplessness, no “future-minded” thinking/talking
- Any significant changes in his/her normal routine, including eating and/or sleeping habits
- Doing risky or self-destructive things, not caring about consequences
- Giving away prized possessions (with no other logical explanation for why)
- Developing personality changes or being severely anxious or agitated when experiencing some of the warning signs listed above
What to do if you suspect your teen is suicidal:
- In an emergency situation, call 911 or get to the nearest Emergency Room
- Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK
- Seek medical advice from your child’s physician
Please don’t hesitate to contact Elizabeth Christmas, the Youth First Social Worker at your child’s school. She can be reached at 812-295-2409, Ext. 437 or echristmas@youthfirstinc.org
If you suspect that your teen might be thinking about suicide, talk to him/her immediately. Don't be afraid to use the word "suicide." Talking about suicide won't plant ideas in your teen's head. Ask your teen to talk about his/her feelings and listen. Don't dismiss his/her problems and try not to become angry with him/her. Instead, reassure your teen of your love. Remind your teen that he/she can work through whatever is going on — and that you're willing to help.Upcoming Dates to Remember
Ocotber 2 - Choir Concert (1:30 PM & 4:30 PM)
October 4 - 7/8 Blue Chip Spell Bowl Meet @ N.E. Dubois
October 5 - Early Release
October 6 - Incentive Breakfast (Term 1); Picture Retakes (Grades 7-12)October 7 - React to Bullying Convocation
October 7 - Term 1 Ends
October 10-14 - Fall Break
October 18 - Band Concert (Grades 7-12)
October 19 - Early Release
October 21- Report Cards Sent Home
October 28 - Fall Festival/Spooky Splash Dash
Loogootee Middle School
Email: lwade@loogootee.k12.in.us
Website: www.loogootee.k12.in.us
Location: 201 Brooks Avenue, Loogootee, IN, United States
Phone: 812-295-2409
Twitter: @loogooteeMS