Counseling

7th Grade Counselor: Jenna Bunker

8th Grade Counselor: Hannah Serck

Social Worker: Allison Reuland

Counseling Secretary: Michaela Waters

**Click the counselor's name and you'll be directed to their email address**

Contact Us at 605-367-8443

6th Grade WEB Orientation:

Thursday, August 13th from 8:30am to 12pm

Panther Preview:

Monday, August 24th from 1-8pm

Receive your schedule, take your school picture, practice your locker combination, and walk your schedule!

First Day of School:

Thursday, August 27th

As summer draws to a close, it's time to prepare for a new school year filled with exciting opportunities and challenges for our children. Whether your child is just starting middle school or heading into their last year as a middler, the transition from summer break to school routines can be both thrilling and daunting. To help you navigate this period smoothly, here are some valuable tips to ensure a successful start to the school year:

1. Establish a Consistent Routine: Begin adjusting your child's bedtime and waking up time to align with the school schedule at least a week before the first day. Consistency in routines helps children feel secure and prepared. Getting outside right away in the morning can help produce natural melatonin at bedtime. Also, going outside for a walk before bedtime can help set your natural circadian rhythm.

2. Create a Dedicated Study Space: Set up a quiet, well-lit area at home where your child can study and do homework comfortably. Ensure it is stocked with necessary supplies such as pens and paper.

3. Review and Revisit Goals: Sit down with your child to discuss their goals for the upcoming year—both academic and personal. Encourage them to write these goals down and revisit them periodically to stay motivated.

4. Organize School Supplies: Go through the school supply list provided by the school and shop together for necessary items. Labeling supplies with your child's name can prevent mix-ups and ensure they are well-prepared.

5. Foster Open Communication: Establish open lines of communication with your child's teachers from the beginning. Attend any orientation sessions or parent-teacher meetings offered to get to know the teachers and understand their expectations.

6. Encourage Healthy Habits: Emphasize the importance of eating a nutritious and protein packed breakfast with minimal sugar and packing a balanced lunch. Ensure your child gets regular exercise and enough sleep to support their overall well-being and academic success.

7. Prepare Emotionally: Some children may experience anxiety about the new school year. Talk openly about any concerns they may have and reassure them that it's normal to feel a little nervous. Encourage positive thinking and highlight the exciting aspects of returning to school.

8. Get Involved in School Activities: Explore extracurricular activities or clubs that your child may be interested in. Involvement in these activities can help them make new friends and develop additional skills outside the classroom.

9. Set Realistic Expectations: Every child is unique, and it's essential to set realistic expectations based on their abilities and interests. Celebrate their successes, both big and small, throughout the school year. Remind yourself and your child that struggling is part of the learning process. We don't strive for perfection but instead encourage perseverance.

10. Stay Positive and Flexible: Lastly, approach the new school year with a positive attitude and be prepared to adapt as needed. Flexibility and positivity can help ease any challenges that may arise.

As parents, our support and encouragement play a significant role in our children's educational journey. By implementing these tips and fostering a supportive environment at home, we can help our children thrive academically and emotionally. Here's to a successful and fulfilling school year ahead!