1. Keep the lines of communication open: Prioritize honest and real conversations with your kids — not a one-and-done, rather ongoing discussions about what they’re experiencing, whether that’s the back-to-school transition or a significant national event.

2. Don’t underestimate your child’s level of awareness: they may not get everything, but they’re seeing it, and it’s impacting them. We need to recognize and respond to that, especially with adolescents, who are in the process of building autonomy and a life outside the family. Let them know you see and respect them as independent individuals with their own observations, opinions and beliefs.

3. Distinguish between what’s your anxiety and what’s theirs: Remember that your kids are not you. What makes you anxious may not affect them the same way; what you see as an obstacle may be an exciting challenge for them (and vice versa).

4. Share your own experience: letting them know they’re not alone — that we struggled sometimes when we were their age, and yes, we still do even now. Of course, how much you reveal about your own experience needs to be appropriate to your child’s age; hearing that you’re anxious can make a young child more anxious, but for a teen, it can be reassuring to know that these feelings are natural and that they, too, will find their way through them.

5. Acknowledge and validate anxiety: When our kids know that they can talk to us about whatever they’re feeling, and we will recognize and validate that experience without trying to change it, it gives them the strength and support to navigate not only the back-to-school transitions but also the constant change that comes with living in the world.

Counselor A-G - Loren Clanton

Counselor H-O - Crystal Wright

Counselor P-Z - Trebreh Benjamin

What will be covered at the September 29 Parent University meeting? Given the fact that technology has entered our lives at such a rapid pace and continues to evolve, raising our children in a digital era can seem overwhelming at times. The reality is that apps and technological devices will change, but the behavior stays the same. Moderation is key to managing technology use in our homes. The goal of this parent guide is to help introduce the major social media platforms and games that are either being used already or have the potential to be used by our children.

Can you help with a snack donation for our staff?

Amazon Wish List: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/BSSGFUKGDYXC...

Shop in the Store: https://curtisptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/volunteer/98448

Thank you to all our fabulous parents that donated for our September snack donation & your continued generosity!

Log onto the Kroger website or stop by the customer service desk at any Kroger. Link your Kroger rewards card to Curtis Middle School.

Kroger Community Rewards

Our school code is XX655.

Join the many families of Curtis and support the students and staff by being a member at https://curtisptsa.membershiptoolkit.com/form/m/195134

Parents - we are seeking your support! If you attend a Curtis Middle School football or volleyball game, we would love to leverage the great photos that are captured to showcase in our CMS 2022-2023 yearbook.

Please email your pictures directly to stacy.trotter@allenisd.org

Volunteers who work with AISD student groups and organizations will need to complete a volunteer application. These groups include, but are not limited to, PTA organizations, booster clubs, cheerleading squads, dance squads (athletic and fine arts) and any other AISD student organizations where adults will be working with students other than their own children at AISD sponsored events.

Click on this link to fill out the volunteer application: https://www.allenisd.org/Page/214