Glen Lake Middle School Family News
Week 30, April 12, 2024
Family Time Fun Idea
In the Disney Pixar film Turning Red, we are introduced to a Chinese Canadian family and their deep love and loyalty to one another. Meilin, the main character, is a 13-year-old girl trying to establish adolescent independence and autonomy, while her mother is continually overprotective and hypervigilant, worrying about Meilin’s whereabouts, interests, and friends.
We are also introduced to Meilin’s best friends, who are empathetic and encouraging as she experiences huge emotions throughout the film. We see Meilin and her friends begin to transition from childhood into adolescence with numerous complications that many young people encounter during the early teen years but may not acknowledge or recognize during this significant time of brain development.
THE ADOLESCENT BRAIN
As parents, we are observing these middle school years up close, experiencing the often-chaotic emotional early-teen roller coaster that this second-greatest time of brain development ushers in. The brain is growing tremendously and pruning away connections between neurons as it prepares for efficiency and specialization in young adulthood.
During adolescence, there are also significant changes in the secretion and baseline levels of neurohormones. The adolescent brain contains lower levels of serotonin, which can contribute to increased aggression, along with higher levels of testosterone, which can also lead to angry outbursts and impulsive behavior. The baseline for dopamine, our feel-good/motivation neurotransmitter, is also lower, so more dopamine is required for a satisfying result.
Additionally, we know that the frontal lobes of the adolescent brain are still developing, and this is where our executive functions (problem-solving, logical decision-making, emotional regulation, and sustained attention) live, so that we need opportunities and practice filled with repetition to develop these skills.
If we are to engage this age group for learning, we need to meet them where they are with practices and discussion questions that are a part of our procedures and routines. The adolescents’ jobs are to question authority and search for an identity that can connect with a sense of safe belonging and acceptance. Our nervous systems require feelings of safety and felt connection. As young people grow into these new roles and responsibilities mandated by their brain development, we need to continue to provide them with love, comfort and safety.
Thank you parents for all you do! Wouldn't it be fun to watch the movie as a family and have great conversations about what is taking place! Order pizza, eat some popcorn and have some quality family time!
6th Grade Upcoming Trip
We met with all 6th grade students today to talk about their upcoming adventure at Leelanau Outdoor Center, May 8 - 10. Students are learning what items to bring, the agenda for the trip, and the wonderful time they will have on this incredible experience!
We are still looking for chaperones for the evening only. You can help us out and still get to work on time each day! We are looking for adult males and females to stay in the cabins with our students.
Please email Brownc@mylakers.org if you are able to chaperone at night!
LIFT Info
The recent weather has been a delightful surprise, providing LIFT with the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Leelanau County outdoors. We recently visited a local goat farm to meet the adorable new arrivals - baby goats. These little ones were full of energy and excitement, much like our youth. With the wonderful weather, we also had the chance to create artwork and spread positive messages on the school sidewalks, brightening the start of each day for our fellow students.
Don't forget to take a look at the April calendar for some thrilling upcoming activities.
Remember, Middle Schoolers are welcome to join Mrs. Murphy in the LIFT room (as long as their permission form is complete) from dismissal till 5:30 p.m. every Monday - Friday.
Stefanie Murphy
Glen Lake Middle School Program Coordinator
Looking Ahead
April 14, Cedar/Maple City Lions Pancake Breakfast,
9:00 - 1:00 PM
*All proceeds for April 14th go to Glen Lake's Student Assistance Fund, Click Link Below for Info
April 22 - May 3, M-Step Testing, 6 - 8th Grades
April 26, Set Sail Grade Level Meetings: 6th grade @ 12:30, 7th grade @ 1:30, and 8th grade @ 2:30
April 30th, Legend of Sleeping Bear Dune Assembly at 10:00 AM in Media Center
May Overnight Experiences:
May 7 - 10, 8th Grade in Washington D.C.
May 8 - 10, 6th Grade to Leelanau Outdoor Center
May 9 & 10, 7th Grade to Ann Arbor
Middle School Book Fair, Tuesday - Thursday, 8:00 AM - 3:20 PM