3425 Hamilton-Cleves Rd.
Hamilton, Ohio 45013
513-863-1251-Phone
513-863-0066 -Fax

Guidance Information

Mrs. Paula Raghuraman
roms_pr@swoca.net
Students in Grades 6 and 7
Ms. Lisa Jeffery
roms_lj@swoca.net
Students in Grades 5 and 8
What Is the Role of the Counselor?
• Help students to recognize and make the best of their capabilities
• Give students an opportunity to talk about their education, personal, and social concerns
• Help students to build self-confidence and self-esteem
• Help students to recognize, understand, and work through learning difficulties
• Enroll new students and assist with their transition
• Act as a resource person for information
• Assist in times of personal and family crisis
• Help students to develop an awareness of the world of work
• Assist with the design and implementation of interventions necessary for academic success
• Assist students with the transition between buildings
How and Why Do Parents Contact the School Counselor?
• Concerns over school performance
• Test score interpretation
• Special needs of your child
• Family difficulties and concerns
• Information on various community support services
• To facilitate a meeting with all of a child’s teachers
• Assistance with their Progress Book account
Parents can call the school counselor at any time at 863-1251 for a phone conference or to set up a meeting. Counselors can also be reached via email:
Lisa Jeffery roms_LJ@swoca.net
(last names A – K)
Paula Raghuraman roms_PR@swoca.net
(last names L – Z)
Access Your Student’s Grades and Assignments Any Time of the Day Using the Internet
You can access your student’s classroom assignments, as well as his or her grades, using your Progress Book account. Simply go to www.parentaccess.swoca.net. Click on the Ross Rams logo and type in your account information. If you need assistance or do not know your login information contact your student’s counselor at 863-1251. Ms. Lisa Jeffery is the counselor for students with last names beginning with A through K and Mrs. Paula Raghuraman is the counselor for last names L through Z.
A 10-POINT PLAN FOR SCHOOL SUCCESS
DAILY STUDY CHECKLIST
TEST TAKING STRATEGIES

1. INSIST THAT YOUR CHILD USE HIS/HER PLANBOOK.
If you look at it every night you show your interest in school. This gives you an opportunity to praise your child for improvement.
2. PROVIDE A QUIET STUDY TIME TO DO HOMEWORK AND STUDY FOR TESTS.
For most middle school students an hour is usually enough. The time should be the same every day, as much as possible. Work with your child to establish an agreeable time.
3. LIMIT DISTRACTIONS.
Do not allow television during study time. A radio playing quietly may be okay, depending on your situation. Encourage your child to sit at a desk or table to work. Lying down on a bed or on the floor is comfortable, but usually is too passive. Learning must be active.
4. BE AWARE OF WHEN YOUR CHILD HAS TESTS AND LONG-TERM ASSIGNMENTS.
Encourage pacing: doing some work, study or research every day instead of waiting until the last minute.
5. STUDY TIME SHOULD BE USED
Even if there is no written homework due the next day. The time can be used for:
• Reviewing class notes or study guides the teacher may provide
• Making flash cards to study for an upcoming test
• Reading or re-reading a current chapter
• Working extra credit or extra practice math problems
6. INSIST ON SEEING HOMEWORK EVERY NIGHT Even if “it is finished at school”. Students should keep homework in a folder or binder so work will not be lost. Don’t correct the work for your child, but encourage by showing your interest.
7. COMMUNICATE WITH THE TEACHERS. Progressbook is a great tool to help you stay informed of your child’s academic progress. Call or email your child’s teachers if have questions or concerns. Details on your Progressbook account are available by contacting the school at 863-1251.
8. KEEP ABSENCES TO A MINIMUM.
When a student misses school, he/she misses lectures and discussions that cannot be duplicated. If your child is ill, remind him/her of the student’s responsibility to arrange for making up tests and assignments with the teacher.
9. SET SHORT TERM GOALS.
Establish realistic goals on a weekly basis. Provide positive reinforcements for good work habits rather than negative punishments.
10. AFFIRM YOUR CHILD’S EFFORT.
Focus on regular, consistent effort – not grades. Encourage your child to develop positive work habits. Better grades will be achieved as a result.


***I have all of my assignments written in my agenda.

***I brought home all the materials I needed to do my homework.
***I spent at least 1 hour at night doing homework.
***I checked off my completed work in my agenda to make sure I didn't miss anything.
***I began studying for any tests I have this week.
***I placed all completed work in either a "homework folder" or the correct notebook to turn in tomorrow.
***I packed up my book bag the night before, so that I was ready in the morning.

20 of the Best Things Ever Said to a Child . . .

“ I love you.”
“We will always love you no matter what.”
“ I’m so glad we’ve got you.”
“I believe in you.”
“ You are very special.”
“You’re fun to be with.”
“ You can do anything you choose to do.”
“I appreciate you.”
“ You’re beautiful.”
“ I respect you.”
“ You add so much to this family.”
“You’re really good at…”
“ What do you think?”
“You’re very smart.”
“ I’m so proud of you.”
“ How do you feel about that?”
“ I really like who you are.”
“What are you thinking about?”
“ I like spending time with you.”
“You are important to me.”

General Rules
• Read ALL directions first.
• Don’t leave anything blank unless you are penalized for guessing.
• If you don’t know an answer skip it—sometimes the answers are contained in other parts of the test.

Multiple Choice Tests
1. Read the question and try to predict an answer before reading the choices.
2. Eliminate all impossible answers—actually cross them out.
3. Choose the answer that makes the most sense. Make sure it answers the question and relates to the topic.
4. Pay attention to key words in the question like “which is
NOT a reason", or "all are included EXCEPT".

True/False Tests
1. Because there are few absolutes, questions that include words like ALWAYS, NEVER, EVERY, ALL, ONLY, and NONE are usually false.
2. Look carefully at the order of thestatement. The facts may be true but the order makes the answer false.
3. Sometimes a true statement may be worded so that positive words replace negative words or vice versa.
4. In order for a statement to be true, the entire statement must be true. If any part is false the answer is false.

Essay Tests
1. Read the essay question looking for the key word that
will tell you how to answer,such as compare, contrast,
describe, explain, etc.
2. Write a very brief outline of all the points that need to be covered.
3. Reread the question and restate it for the opening
sentence. Support the sentence with facts from the
outline and conclude by restating the lead sentence.

Fill-in Tests
1. Read the statement and fill in any that you know right away.
2. Look for key words that may jar your memory.
3. If you are using a word bank, crossoff any words if they can be used only once. Be sure to clarify that in the directions.

Matching Tests
1. Count all choices in each column. If one column has
more choices than the other, work the column with the
fewer choices first. You won’t then waste time tying
to match an answer that doesn’t have a match.
2. If both columns have the same number of choices, read the longer column with the explanations first. If you have to reread, it is easier to reread the shorter matches.
3. Cross off an answer once you use it if it is only to be used once.