Guidance

If you have any questions or concerns please contact the DMS Guidance staff. Mrs. Codispodi, Mrs. Sanchez and Mr. Taxiarchou are all here to help.

“Fall into Good Study Habits.”

Fall is a time of preparation and anticipation for team victories, upcoming celebrations and holidays, and snowy white winter days. It is also an important time to review our educational goals. Just as teachers review and develop educational strategies to assist their new classes, it is also critical that students and their families discuss, develop, and realign educational practices at home.

Students in grades 7 and 8 should plan to spend 60-90 minutes a night on homework. Though this may seem like a tremendous amount of time to your middle schooler, good grades and high test scores are directly tied to consistent study habits and time spent studying and reading. Even if your son or daughter insists that all homework has been completed, you should then require that designated study time be used for:

	Reviewing or rewriting class notes
	Reading and/or outlining required class readings
	Pleasure reading books, magazines, or newspapers
	Writing in journals, diaries, or letters to friends and family
	Engaging in educational computer programs
	Listening to books on tape
	Creating, building, or gathering materials for long-term projects

It is important to create a household where life-long learning is modeled. Read in front of your teenager, arrange visits to local bookstores or an evening at the library together, select a book to read aloud (Yes, even adults enjoy listening to stories.), tell and record stories of past family events, or point out and discuss current events in the newspaper.

Be aware that most middle school students will fight furiously with their parents not to abide by the 60-90 minute “educational schedule” each day. BE STRONG. Let your child know that learning is one of the main goals of your household. BE PREPARED to hear protesting and possible accusations such as “you’re too strict”, “corny,” or that “no one else is doing this.” Most of all BE CONSISTENT and eventually your child will stop complaining and fall into good study habits.

FROM THE GUIDANCE OFFICE -

Testing is an important part of your child’s educational program. During a week in March eighth grade students will take the Grade Eight-Proficiency Test (GEPA) and seventh graders will be taking the Middle School Practice Test (MSPT). These tests will measure student’s skill and knowledge in particular areas. Parents often ask how they can help their children do better on these tests, here are a few suggestions:

l. Make sure that your child gets a good night sleep before the test.
2. Have your child eat properly on the day of the test.
3. Try not to upset your child before the test.
4. Make sure that your child arrives to school on time.
5. Encourage your child to take the test very seriously.
6. If a question exists about the test, please encourage your child to see a teacher or a counselor.
7. Take advantage of the testing prep classes offered at the school.

GENERAL STUDYING TIPS

· Have a quiet place to study.

· No distractions phone, TV, radio, etc.

· Study with someone only after you have studied the material yourself.

· Begin studying earlier than the night before.

· Study when you are alert and wide-awake.

· Choose a time to study that works for you and use the time each night.

VOCABULARY TESTS

· Use flash cards.

· Create a study guide listing words on the left and the answers on the right, fold the paper in half and test yourself.

· Have a parent, friend, brother, or sister quiz you.

· Draw a picture that explains each word.

· Relate each word to something that you already know.

· Look for root words as clues to the meanings.

APPLICATION OF SKILLS TESTS

· Pay attention in class.

· Ask questions . . . before the day of the test.

· Practice the skill at home each night.

· Create a practice test to take later in the evening or the next night.

· Do this with a friend and switch practice tests.

· Use a combination of the tips listed above.

Updated:11/08/05

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