Hello GATE Parents,

The following ideas are from the John Hopkins Center for Talented Youth. Gifted students tend to be very aware of current events and social injustice, and they can be deeply affected by what they hear in the news. I hope you find these points helpful in talking with your children about current events and situations. While these talking points were specifically created to address feelings around the war in Ukraine, they can be useful to families talking about any of the sensitive topics that are part of everyday life.

• Talk about it. Avoiding tough conversations can exacerbate unhelpful reactions. Set up time free from distractions, when both of you are feeling calm, and at a time that is not an interruption from something they’re enjoying. You can start this conversation by asking what they have heard, what they’re feeling, and what questions they have. Asking them about their questions helps to prevent sharing too many unnecessary details. Reassure youth that adults are doing all they can to keep everyone safe. Try not to expect yourself to have all the answers, you can model being a good information consumer by co-learning with youth. The Conversation published an article further addressing this, and this BBC article also has good information.
  
  
  
• Encourage empathy. Often, adults and kids get caught up in disputed issues and forget each other’s humanity. Traumatic events are devastating and frightening for everyone. Someone’s nationality, immigration status, or ethnicity does not make them more or less deserving of kindness and compassion or indicate their beliefs. It’s important to remind youth that we can stand strong in advocating for what we believe is right, while also being respectful towards each other.
  
  
• Seek to understand and listen. Do some research about the people involved, learn about their backgrounds and their culture. Research the traditions and history of those affected. These strategies encourage appreciation for cultures other than our own.
  
  
• Limit consumption of media, monitor what and how much media your kids are consuming. Academically talented youth are naturally curious, and current technology makes it easier than ever to access near-limitless amounts of information. If the news is upsetting to them, any amount can be too much. Common Sense Media published strategies for youth to better understand where information comes from, and Cornell University Library shares an infographic. Consider also setting up protected time, away from media, where youth can appreciate and engage with other hobbies and interests they care about.
  
  
• Find healthy, helpful, ways to cope with big emotions. Feeling big feelings is part of being human. If some of the active coping strategies above feel like too much, sometimes a distraction is helpful. Consider an active outdoor activity (weather and environment permitting), or find a good puzzle, maze, word or sudoku game, coloring page, or other online activity, such as zoos or museums online to explore. Sacramento University shares a variety of good activities in their Virtual Calming Room, including Live Animal Cameras from zoos across the United States.

Important dates for incoming 6th Graders

Cougar Camp - August 1st - 2nd, 2022 (Choose AM or PM Session)

This is the transition camp to help teach kids about how middle school works, make new friends and learn more about the campus - Click here to register and learn more

Scavenger Hunt - Aug 4, 2022 - Time TBD

Come show your parents what you learned in camp. See if you can find your way around Small and that you are ready for the first day of school. More details to come

Parent Camp - August 4th. 5:30 pm - Zoom

This is all the information every new to middle school parent will need to know about Small and how middle school works. Click here to register

First Day of School - August 15th, 2022

Ways to keep informed.

Website: www.smallmiddleschool.org

Newsletter: https://small.austinschools.org/our-school/announcements/newsletters

Parent facebook page:https://www.facebook.com/groups/SmallMiddleSchoolParents/

Questions?

Small FAQ Page

Small Acronym

Email or call Jennifer Newell at

jennifer.newell@austinisd.org 512-841-6701

The Small Virtual Library- March 2022 Women's History Month

Are you tired of sending your child to summer camps that lack an academic element? Are you on the hunt for an academic and entertaining summer camp where students can collaborate and formulate solutions to the most pressing issues the world is faced with?? If so, sign up for Jr. AUSMUN!! Jr. AUSMUN is a four-day summer camp open for incoming 7th, 8th, and 9th graders THIS SUMMER!! . The camp will reflect the high school class, Model United Nations, an extracurricular offered at Austin High in which students represent delegates in the United Nations and simulate debates in UN committees. Campers will explore the most current and relevant topics and engage in activities for three days in preparation for a Model UN conference on the 4th! The camp will be held at Austin High School, June 20th through 23rd from 8:30 am-12:30 pm. For more information and registration details please visit https://jrausmun.weebly.com/

Back the future at Small Middle School. Join PTA today.

www.joinpta.org

Be sure to send some busniess thier way for partnering with Small Middle School!!!