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Counseling staff includes Ms. Janae Grunow (School Counselor), Mr. Ty Jury (School Counselor), and Ms. Missy Watson (Guidance Administrative Assistant).

The Counseling Department at the Waunakee Community Middle School assists 7th and 8th grade students in the following areas:

• Teach students about academic, career, and personal/social issues through the WI K-12 Comprehensive School Counseling Model
• Learn conflict resolution skills
• Understand the causes, consequences, and strategies to resist bullying and harassment
• Learn coping skills to deal with stressful situations
• Understand the school-to-work connection through career exploration and individual hobbies/talents
• Help schedule middle school and high school core and elective classes
• Participate in groups that are relevant to student issues

Resources from the Counseling Office

Other Related School Resources

Teen Self-Help Books in the MS LMTC:  Our students have access to many books on a variety of self-help and personal development topics in the Middle School LMTC.  You can help your child select such a book by visiting the MS LMTC library catalog and searching for any of these suggested topics:

• Conduct of Life (brings up such results as Who Moved My Cheese, For Teens; 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens; The 6 Most Important Decisions You'll Ever Make: A Guide for Teens; Chicken Soup for the Teenage Soul; Success Express for Teens)
• Life Skills (brings up such results as What Teens Need to Succeed; A Girl's Guide to Conflict; A Guy's Guide to Conflict; Taking a Stand: Being a Leader & Helping Others)
• Teenage Boys (or just Boys) or Teenage Girls (or just Girls) : (brings up such results as Chillin' : a Guy's Guide to Friendship; or The Girls' Guide to Life: How to Take Charge of the Issues that Affect You)

These topics may also bring up novels featuring fictional characters dealing with some of these same issues.

STUDY TIPS FOR PARENTS

• Always insist that your child has a consistent study time each day.
• Set up a homework area that is free of distractions and has all of the necessary supplies.
• Make the point that homework is the priority-before going out to play, before TV, a game, whatever.
• Supervise their work, but don't tall into the trap of doing their work.
• Encourage and motivate but try not to nag. Praise them to succeed.
• Model as often as possible. If parents can sit and read or do some of their own work, children learn that everyone has responsibilities and learning is life long.
• No matter how tempted, do not compare your children's performance with siblings, or other children their age. What works for one, may not work for another.
• Make sure your kids get enough to eat, and plenty of rest, no matter how old they may think they are. Poor nutrition affects the ability to learn. Sugar crashes result in limited concentration and reduced energy levels. Lack of sleep adversely affects concentration, memorization, and the ability to stay alert and awake in class.
• Always stay in touch with your child's teacher, especially if homework is a struggle. Use the agenda book or e-mail your child's teacher if you have any questions.
• No matter how you feel about an assignment, show your enthusiastic and positive side.
• Work with your child on organizational skills. Establish a place where library books and work should be kept.
• There are sometimes numbers available called "homework hotlines" that a student can call for extra help. Teachers can provide you with this information.

PARENT INVOLVEMENT AT THE MIDDLE LEVEL IS CRUCIAL

Moving from elementary to middle school is an adjustment for students and parents alike. There are usually more teachers to get to know, a more complicated schedule to understand, and kids can be embarrassed about parent involvement. But these changes are no reason for parents to stop working with the school. It is just as important as ever for parents to stay involved.

Here are ways to do this:

• Meet your child's teachers. Introduce yourself as soon as possible instead of waiting until problems arise.
• Get to know guidance counselors. They usually know all the kids in the school, and they can keep you up-to-date on your child's performance.
• Read about the school. At the beginning of the year, schools often give parents information about rules and curriculum. If you didn't receive these materials, ask for them.
• Keep track of your child's progress in school. If his grades slip, contact teachers for help.
• Attend parent-teacher conferences. Request meetings with teachers at other times, if you feel the need.
• Introduce yourself to other parents. Talk with them about problems you share.
• Respond to notes and other correspondence from the school. If you have trouble with English, ask the school for help with translation.

PREPARE FOR YOUR PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES

• Talk to your child. Ask your child what they think their strengths and weaknesses are and why. Ask your child if they have any questions they'd like you to ask their teacher.
• Write down your questions so you don't forget to ask. Ask things such as:
  • Is my child in different groups for different subjects?
  • Has my child missed classes?
  • Does my child participate in class discussions and activities?
  • Is my child working up to her ability?
  • How well does my child get along with others?

STUDY TIPS FOR STUDENTS

• Stay on top of your study schedule.
• Television, video games, pets, computer, the phone, etc., are all distractions.
• Maintain a quiet work environment that is well lit.
• Use your assignment notebook.
• Gets lots of sleep - at least 8 hours every school night.
• Try to study in the same location every night to improve your organization.
• Ask your parents, brothers or sisters, friends, and teachers for any help you need.
• Make sure you feel comfortable with the room temperature you are studying in.
• Sit on a comfortable chair when studying.
• Start homework at the same time everyday to improve your organization.
• Keep materials, like paper, pens, pencils, rulers, and calculators nearby.
• Finish your homework as early as possible to relieve stress.
• Take short, five-minute breaks at least every thirty minutes to relax your brain.
• Complete homework of your least favorite subject first.
• Use a drawer or folders to store old assignments and notes.
• When other students ask questions, pay attention.
• Feel free to ask your teacher questions before, during, and after class.
• As hard as it may be, do not distract yourself or others.
• Don't study on an empty stomach.