From the Principal's Desk
Dear Families,
December was an exciting month filled with memorable events and achievements at our school!
1. Christmas Choral and Band Performances: Our talented choir and band showcased their skills with enchanting performances, bringing holiday cheer to the school community. The music filled the auditorium with festive spirit and joy, making it a truly magical experience for everyone.
2. High School Band Marching the Halls: The high school band took to the halls, marching in formation and spreading holiday cheer. Their spirited performance energized students and staff alike, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the school.
3. Math Team Success: Congratulations to our math team for their outstanding performance in their first competition! They are currently in first place, demonstrating hard work and dedication. We are so proud of their achievements and can't wait to see how they continue to excel.
4. Door Decorating Contest: The annual door decorating contest brought out the creativity of our students and staff. Classrooms transformed into winter wonderlands, showcasing festive themes and artistic flair. The competition was fierce, and the holiday spirit was evident in every corner of the school. Congratulations goes out to Mrs. Meyers classroom with "Rudolph tangled in lights", and Mrs. Datzlers classroom with :The Starbucks Grinch".
5. DARE Graduation: We celebrated the 5th grade DARE graduation ceremony, recognizing the hard work and commitment of our students in learning about drug awareness and making positive choices. This important program empowers our youth to make informed decisions and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Thank you go out to Officer Sam West and Miss Heather Smith for coordinating this program.
6. Junie B. Jones Performance on December 19: Our 5th and 6th grade band and choral students were able to attend the "Junie B Jones-Jingle Bells, Batman Smells". The students were able to engage with the musical performance based on the best selling book series by Barbara Park.
As we wrap up the year, we are grateful for the incredible achievements and joyful moments shared within our school community. Wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and a happy new year!
Warm regards,
Paul Clark
Counselling Corner "Welcome Back Mrs. Hardie!"
Emotions in the middle
Helping your middle school student manage their emotions is a vital part of their development. Here are several strategies you can use:
1. Create a Safe Space for Expression: Encourage your child to share their feelings openly without fear of judgment. Regularly check in with them about their day, and listen actively to what they have to say.
2. Model Emotional Regulation: Demonstrate healthy ways to manage emotions yourself. Share your experiences when you're feeling overwhelmed or stressed, and discuss how you cope, whether it's through deep breathing, talking it out, or engaging in a hobby.
3. Teach Emotional Vocabulary: Help your child articulate their feelings by expanding their emotional vocabulary. Instead of just saying “happy” or “sad,” introduce words like “frustrated,” “anxious,” or “excited.” This can help them better identify and express their emotions.
4. Encourage Healthy Outlets: Support your child in finding activities that help them manage their emotions, such as sports, art, music, or writing. Physical activity, in particular, can be a great way to release pent-up emotions.
5. Practice Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teach your child mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga. These techniques can help them calm down and center themselves when they're feeling overwhelmed.
6. Help Them Problem-Solve: When your child faces a challenging situation, guide them through the problem-solving process. Encourage them to think of possible solutions and the potential outcomes, which can empower them to handle their feelings more effectively.
7. Establish Routines: Consistent routines can provide a sense of stability and security, helping to reduce anxiety. Make sure they have a daily schedule that includes time for homework, relaxation, and social activities.
8. Encourage Journaling: Writing about their thoughts and feelings can be therapeutic for many students. Encourage your child to keep a journal where they can express themselves freely.
9. Monitor Social Media and Technology Use: Be mindful of your child’s screen time and social media interactions, as these can significantly affect their emotional health. Discuss online experiences and encourage them to take breaks when needed.
10. Seek Professional Help if Necessary: If your child consistently struggles with emotional regulation or shows signs of anxiety or depression, consider seeking help from a school counselor or a mental health professional.
11. Be Patient and Supportive: Remind your child that it’s okay to feel a range of emotions, and that learning to manage them is a process. Offer your support and understanding as they navigate their feelings.
By implementing these strategies, you can help your middle school student develop the skills they need to manage their emotions effectively.
Middle School Health Starts Here
Hygiene Activities for Middle School: Building Independence and Self-Care Skills
As children transition into adolescence, it becomes increasingly important to teach them essential life skills that promote independence and self-care. One area that often gets overlooked is hygiene. Engaging middle school students in hygiene activities not only helps them develop good habits but also fosters their independence and self-confidence. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of hygiene activities for middle school students and provide practical strategies to support their development.
Understanding the challenges faced by middle school students
Before diving into specific hygiene activities, it is crucial to understand the challenges faced by middle school students. This stage of development is marked by physical changes, increased self-awareness, peer pressure, social expectations, and difficulties with time management and organization.
These challenges can make it challenging for students to prioritize self-care and develop independence in maintaining their hygiene. By recognizing these obstacles, we can tailor our approach to effectively support their growth.
Hygiene activities to promote independence and self-care skills
Implementing hygiene activities in a structured and consistent manner can help middle school students develop independence and self-care skills. Let’s explore some specific activities that can be incorporated into their daily routines:
Daily routines and habits
Establishing a consistent hygiene routine is essential for middle school students. By incorporating specific activities into their morning and evening routines, we can promote independence and self-care.
Morning routine: Establishing a consistent hygiene routine
Encourage students to start their day with a set routine that includes activities such as brushing their teeth, washing their face, and combing their hair. By establishing these habits, they will develop a sense of responsibility for their personal hygiene.
Evening routine: Encouraging self-care before bed
Before going to bed, students should engage in activities such as brushing their teeth, washing their face, and changing into clean clothes. This routine helps them develop good hygiene habits and prepares them for a restful night’s sleep.
Personal grooming and appearance
Teaching middle school students about personal grooming and appearance is crucial for their self-esteem and social interactions. Here are some activities that can be incorporated into their daily routines:
Hair care: Teaching proper washing, brushing, and styling techniques
Show students how to wash their hair using appropriate products and techniques. Teach them how to brush and style their hair to maintain a neat and presentable appearance.
Skin care: Promoting regular face washing and moisturizing
Explain the importance of washing their face daily to remove dirt and oil. Encourage them to moisturize their skin to keep it healthy and hydrated.
Dental care: Emphasizing the importance of brushing and flossing
Teach students proper brushing and flossing techniques to maintain good oral hygiene. Emphasize the importance of regular dental check-ups and the impact of oral health on overall well-being.
Clothing choices: Encouraging appropriate attire for different occasions
Guide students in selecting appropriate clothing for different settings, such as school, sports activities, and social events. Teach them about dressing for the weather and the importance of cleanliness in their clothing choices.
Personal hygiene and cleanliness
Developing good personal hygiene habits is essential for middle school students. Here are some activities that can promote cleanliness and independence:
Hand hygiene: Teaching proper handwashing techniques
Show students how to wash their hands thoroughly using soap and water. Explain the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of germs and illnesses.
Body hygiene: Promoting regular bathing or showering
Encourage students to maintain regular bathing or showering habits. Teach them about using appropriate products and techniques to keep their bodies clean and fresh.
Nail care: Emphasizing the importance of trimming and cleaning nails
Explain the significance of keeping nails clean and trimmed. Teach students how to properly trim and clean their nails to maintain good hygiene.
Deodorant use: Discussing the significance of personal hygiene products
Talk to students about the importance of using deodorant or antiperspirant to manage body odor. Teach them how to apply these products correctly and when it is appropriate to use them.
Hygiene activities play a crucial role in promoting independence and self-care skills among middle school students. By incorporating these activities into their daily routines, we can help them develop good hygiene habits and boost their confidence. Remember to provide guidance, break tasks into manageable steps, and offer positive reinforcement along the way. Start implementing these strategies today and witness the positive impact on your students’ independence and self-care skills.
PARENT RESOURCES: Homework problems-solved
Problem: Your child puts off homework until the last minute.
Solution: One reason students procrastinate is that they feel overwhelmed. Suggest that your tween decide in what order to do their work so they know where to start and what to do next. Also, encourage them to put steps in their planner for big tests or long-term assignments. That way, they can tackle them one at a time. Example: "Review notes, make a study guide, quiz myself for a test."
Problem: They rush to finish homework.
Solution: Requiring a set amount of daily study time may keep your child from hurrying through math to watch TV or meet friends. Ask teachers how much time should be spent on homework each day (typically 60-90 minutes in the middle grades). Let your child know their work isn't done until they double check it and corrects mistakes. With leftover homework time, they might read, do extra-credit assignments, or work ahead on projects.
Problem: They get frustrated when they're stuck.
Solution: Have your middle grader make a list of resources to turn to if they get stumped. They could list phone numbers of classmates or older students, along with information for homework websites. Suggest that they check if the library offers homework help. If they are still having trouble, they can ask their teacher the next day.
T.I.E.S Together Including Every Student
TIES is a program which promotes the participation of children/young adults, attending Attica CSD with special needs 8-22 years of age, in extracurricular and community activities by providing effective support through trained student volunteers.
Attica’s TIES Program continues to expand as the school year progresses. TIES participants and peer volunteers took part in Attica activities, including attending a football game and participating in a board game night at the elementary school.
In December, TIES participants had the opportunity to join a Holiday Singalong Class, offering a chance to connect with peers from across Western New York and the Finger Lakes Regions via Zoom. It was a wonderful opportunity to sing Holiday Songs together and have fun with online friends!
This inclusive program is designed for all students, promoting mutual learning and growth. The diversity among participants and peer volunteers deepens their understanding and appreciation of differences.
“I had so much fun playing board games with some of the kids at the elementary school. It was really nice that I was able to help out and play alongside them.” – Attica TIES Peer Volunteer
Join us for a fun and welcoming TIES Meet and Greet with Bingo on January 22nd from 3:30 – 4:30 PM in the High School Library! This is a fantastic opportunity for families, participants, volunteers, and anyone interested in the TIES program to come together, meet new people, learn about the program, and enjoy a friendly game of Bingo. Whether you are new to the program or already involved, this event is about building connections and having fun!