Don Ross Middle School Weekly Bulletin
Oct 27, 2023
Dear Eagle families,
I hope this week went smoothly as we are seeing the change in weather and it’s always a good reminder to encourage our children to dress for the cooler temperatures ahead (as best we can)! We are looking forward to a wonderful week ahead with FSAs underway and parent teacher conferences completed. Hope you have a wonderful fall weekend!
Graham Jackson
Principal, Don Ross Middle School
Upcoming Dates
Oct. 23 - Nov 3 - FSA Assessments
Oct. 31 - Halloween activities - wear your costume day!
Nov. 13 - Stat (Remembrance Day)
Nov. 20 - Pro D Day
**Reminders**
- Please make sure your child arrives at school on time and is ready to learn each day. If they arrive late, they need to check in at the office.
- Ensure your child's contact information is up to date in case of emergencies
*Be in the know. Download the School News App. See attached document with instructions*
Parents Corner
To support your middle schooler's learning at home, it's crucial to create a dedicated and organized learning space, establish a consistent daily schedule, and maintain open communication with their teachers. Encourage them to break assignments into manageable tasks and provide necessary resources while teaching problem-solving skills for independent learning. Maintain a balanced routine that includes regular breaks, exercise, and healthy meals, and monitor their academic progress. Foster their love of learning by providing access to educational resources aligned with their interests and encourage social interaction with peers. Be patient, flexible, and lead by example in your own pursuit of knowledge. Celebrate their achievements, and if needed, seek additional help from tutors or educational resources. Learning at home offers a unique opportunity for your child's independence and personal growth.
Counseling Corner
Asking your teenager about their day is a great way to maintain open communication and show your interest in their life. However, approaching them in a way that respects their independence and emotions is essential. Here are some tips on how to ask your teen about their day:
- Choose the Right Time and Place - Find a comfortable, private, and relaxed setting where you can have a conversation without interruptions or distractions. It could be at the dinner table, during a car ride, or in their room.
- Be Respectful of Their Schedule - Be mindful of their daily routine, especially if they have extracurricular activities or homework to complete. Don't bombard them with questions the moment they walk in the door. Give them some time to unwind.
- Start with Open-Ended Questions - Begin the conversation with open-ended questions that encourage more than a simple "yes" or "no" response. For example:
- "How was your day?"
- "What did you enjoy the most today?"
- "Tell me about something interesting that happened."
- Be a Good Listener - Once your teen starts talking, actively listen without interrupting. Show that you value their thoughts and feelings by maintaining eye contact and nodding to indicate you're engaged.
- Avoid Being Judgmental - Create a non-judgmental and non-critical atmosphere. Avoid offering unsolicited advice or making negative comments. Let them share their experiences without fear of criticism.
- Respect Their Privacy - Understand that your teenager may not want to share everything with you. Respect their boundaries and don't push them to reveal more than they're comfortable with.
- Use Follow-Up Questions - If your teen provides short answers, ask follow-up questions to encourage them to expand on their thoughts. For example:
- "Can you tell me more about that?"
- "How did that make you feel?"
- "Who were you with when that happened?"
- Share Your Day - After listening to your teen, reciprocate by sharing your own day or experiences. This can create a sense of connection and encourage them to open up more.
- Be Patient - Some teenagers may need time to warm up and start sharing. Don't get discouraged if they don't talk immediately. Give them space and try again later.
- Respect Their Emotions - If your teenager had a tough day, acknowledge their feelings without dismissing or trying to fix their problems. Sometimes, just being there to listen and empathize can be enough.
Remember that building and maintaining a strong, open relationship with your teenager is an ongoing process. Be consistent in your efforts to communicate and connect, and they will be more likely to share their experiences and concerns with you.
Community Events:
Proud2Be from Family Services of the North Shore (we work with them through our BC Partners collaboration work with Jessie's Legacy) has let us know about a free virtual event on Saturday November 4th for families looking for information on Legal Name Changes, Trans and Gender Marker ID
Information can be found here: website
Registration can be found here: eventbrite registration