Red Ribbon Week

 

     The national Red Ribbon Campaign Week will be October 23-31 this year.  Red Ribbon Week provides an opportunity for communities and individuals to take a visible stand against drugs.  It’s a wonderful time for parents to share their beliefs about commitment to a drug-free lifestyle with their children. 

 

     Middle School children may seem to act grown up, nevertheless, they still need parents’ guidance.  They still need good role models for a healthy lifestyle.  Parents should not assume that children are hearing all they need to know at school about the dangers of alcohol, tobacco, or other drugs.  They need to hear and see a consistent message at home, too.

 

     Parents have the greatest impact on the choices a child makes.  Red Ribbon Week is observed once a year, but you, as a parent, can make a difference everyday.  Please consider taking the opportunity during Red Ribbon Week to have a discussion about this important topic with your children.
 
Text Box: Academic Counseling Academic counseling is available to students by Ross Middle School Counselors, Ms. Lisa Jeffery for 5th and 8th grade students and by Mrs. Paula Raghuraman for 6th and 7th grade students. As the first quarter grading period comes to a close on the 30th of this month, parents and students may have academic concerns. Your child’s counselor is available for consultation with parents, teachers and students. Please feel free to contact us. We’re happy to offer suggestions that may help improve your child’s academic performance. Text Box: Guidance/Counseling Groups Support Students Our goal as school counselors is to help each student be as successful as possible. Guidance and counseling groups are an excellent way to develop skills or provide support to students. Guidance groups provide the opportunity for students to develop and practice new skills. Topics may include study skills, friends, and recognizing and developing personal strengths. Counseling groups can provide a safe and supportive environment for students to express their feelings and receive support from their peers and counselor. Often students feel as if they are the only one with a certain problem or concern. Counseling groups provide the opportunity to talk with others and to develop effective coping strategies. Support groups are offered for students facing a variety of issues, such as Anger Management, Divorce/Separation, and ADD/ADHD. Not all groups are available at one time. Groups will be going on throughout the entire year. We have found that students get the most out of a group when they are a voluntary participant. If your child is interested in participating in a group please contact his/her counselor. Text Box: Teen Issues/Choices Groups We welcome back to Ross Middle School, Mr. Tim Wurster, who will be facilitating Teen Issues/Choices groups for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students on Fridays during Intervention. Tim will be emphasizing the importance of making healthy choices, as they relate to everyday issues this age group faces. Tim will also be available during Activity Period on Fridays to shoot baskets with the students in the Gym. Despite being in a wheelchair, Tim is a formidable opponent from the free throw line!