Totem Middle School
March 2021
Message from Principal Watkins
GREAT EXPECTATIONS!
Setting expectations for your scholar tells them, “I believe you can do this!” And that can motivate them to do their very best. Try these strategies to develop and share your expectations.
Know Where to Start:
Think of your scholar’s goals as steps on a ladder, with an ultimate goal (like going to college or a trade school) at the top. To set realistic expectations, start by considering where they are now. Then, let them know you expect them to climb up at least on step this month. For example, if your scholar is currently struggling to turn in any assignments, set the goal by the end of the month they complete half of their assignments. Or, if your scholar is currently getting a C in their class, set the goal for your scholar to raise their class grade to a B by the end of the month.
Focus on Effort:
Telling your scholar that you expect them to do better in art class because they are “talented” in art can send the message to them that they can’t do better in their other classes because you only see them as “talented” in art. Instead, try talking about how they raised their Language Arts grade last year after working hard. This will help your scholar develop a growth mindset- the belief they can succeed in anything they put effort in.
Help Them Plan:
When you set an expectation for your scholar that they are struggling to meet, ask what might be holding them back. Say you expect them to complete and turn in all assignments, but they often run out of time. Help them come up with ideas to get around these roadblocks. Maybe they can start assignments sooner in the day or find strategies to avoid time-wasters, such as creating a visual in which you show the times they can play video games or chat with friends on social media to minimize distractions.
By working in partnership with your scholar to set great expectations, we can all support our Thunderbirds to achieve academic success!
March Scholar Led Conferences
More details regarding available times will be sent at a later date.
Counselor Corner- Self Care
Self-Care Routine Ideas for Adults
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bhVXjq7VUR8
Simple Happy Zen
10 Self-Care Idea for Students
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF9uViNz4So
Skill Share FREE Online Classes
Hybrid Orientation Videos **ONLY FOR FCP STUDENTS at TOTEM**
**TOTEM ONLY HAS OUR FCP SCHOLARS SCHEDULED TO RETURN TO HYBRID AT TIME OF THIS NEWSLETTER**
To view the videos: https://www.fwps.org/page/8073
Eligible families: Get help buying food with Pandemic-EBT
Because schools meals are not being served at school due to COVID-19, your student may be eligible for food assistance with the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT): Emergency School Meals Program. Every eligible student may qualify for up $123 per month.
This benefit is for Washington children in grades K-12 who receive free or reduced school meals, or students who attend a Community Eligibility Provision School: Adelaide, Federal Way Open Doors Illahee, Lake Dolloff, Lake Grove, Mark Twain, Mirror Lake, Norman Center (ETP), Olympic View, Panther Lake, Rainier View, Sacajawea, Sequoyah, Silver Lake, Sunnycrest, Totem, Truman, Wildwood.
If your child is not currently approved for free or reduced meals, but you think they may qualify complete an application to be eligible for P-EBT benefits: www.fwps.org/lunchapplication.
How do eligible families receive the P-EBT benefit?
- This benefit is provided on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card which is used like a debit card to buy food.
- Each eligible family will receive one P-EBT card per eligible child to the address as its shown in ParentVUE. Make sure you verify your address is up to date by Sunday, March 7 by logging into ParentVUE, going to online registrations, and updating address.
Questions?
- For help determining if your child qualifies for free or reduced meals contact FWPS Nutrition Services at 253-945-5555.
- Beginning March 1, families may contact the P-EBT call center at 1-833-518-0282.
For more information: https://www.fwps.org/pandemicebt
Totem Middle School
Email: mnelsen@fwps.org
Website: https://www.fwps.org/totem
Location: 26630 40th Avenue South, Kent, WA, USA
Phone: 253.945.5100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TotemFWPS/