Tardiness

SOMS has asked the HSA to advise parents of its tardiness policy: Any student signing in tardy after the beginning of 1st period (8:30) will automatically receive 7:30 a.m. detention unless they have a written excuse from a parent or guardian. Also, every 5th homeroom tardiness (after 8:22) will receive 7:30 a.m. detention.

Who’s Who

The guidance department would like to inform parents of who’s who:

       Ms. Cristalli, Team 6B and Grade 8, ext. 2008
      Ms. Bethea, Team 6A and Grade 7, ext. 2009

Each counselor follows her class from sixth through eighth grade. This allows us to get to know the students well, along with their parents and family.

We all maintain an open door policy, working closely with team leaders and teachers. However, if parents prefer they can call to make an appointment through Ms. Clark, the guidance department secretary, at 378-2772 ext 2007.

Don’t Worry, It’s Normal

As parents of teenagers, you’ve probably heard that phrase often enough. However, many of the typical behaviors seen in early adolescence are completely normal.

There are huge physical changes going on in your child’s body which lead to emotional and psychological ups and downs. It is not uncommon for your teen to be defiant, impulsive or oppositional. One minute they’re still your sweet-tempered baby, and the next they are disrespectful or even rude.

Adolescence can often bring on feelings of anxiety, and self-consciousness. Teens are attempting to separate emotionally from parents. This is a normal part of their developmental growth. Teens, particularly early adolescents, are trying on many different “faces” and roles, until they eventually find one that fits.

The following are some suggestions that may help you cope:

Praise your child’s efforts. Encourage their ability to make correct decisions and exhibit good judgment. Believing in their ability to make good decisions will inspire self-esteem and positive self worth.

Set limits. Children want rules and structure. They respect the fact that you are the boss, even if they complain.

Increase your child’s responsibilities. As your child gets older, they should take on more age-appropriate responsibilities. As responsibilities are fulfilled, privileges and freedoms can then be earned.

Talk to your child.  Listen to your child. A pathway of open communication is the best way to keep abreast of what is going on in your child’s life.

Don’t worry – It’s Normal. Your teen needs understanding, encouragement and positive discipline in order to mature into a responsible citizen. Many of the changes he/she is going through are part of the normal developmental process that will be over in a few years.  

Caissy, Gail A. (1994). Early Adolescence: Understanding the 10 to 15 year old; foreword by Conrad F. Toepfer, Jr. Reading, MA:Perseus Books.

Philadelphia Child Guidance Center (1994). Your Child’s Emotional Health: The Middle Years. New York, NY:MacMillan.