ATTENTION: STUDENTS 6-12 GRADE: WEB SHOW COMING

Do you want to help with a web show? That's right! Chestnut Ridge is developing ishare, our own web show through the After 3 program. Click here for more information!

Meet Lionel the Lost and Found Lion.

I'm Lionel, in charge of Lost and Found (until I get a better gig!) Hey, is any of this stuff yours? Come get it!

Dealing with Bullies

Parents often find it very challenging and frustrating to know how to react when their child comes home from school and reports a bullying incident to them. Bullying is another name for harassment. Bullying can be physical with one or more students hurting another. More often, bullying is verbal and includes persistent threatening behavior, teasing, ridicule, or gossiping. Children find it pretty tough to stop bullying without some support.

At CRMS all our students are exposed to the Olweus Bullying Prevention program that is handled through our advisory program that meets every Thursday am. Our school rules for bullying are:

1. We will not bully others.
2. We will try to help others who are bullied.
3. We will try to include students who are left out.
4. If we know that someone is being bullied, we will tell an adult at school and an adult at home.

What should parents do when their child is being bullied:

1. Focus on your child. Do not ignore the bullying or tell your child to ignore it.
2. Don’t blame your child for the bullying. Nobody deserves to be bullied.
3. Listen carefully to what your child tells you about the bullying. Attempt to get details about the incident that include with who, when, and where the incident occurred, and if there were any witnesses.
4. Stress to your child that bullying is wrong and not their fault. Applaud your child for having the courage to report the incident. Explain what you are going to do to help him or her.
5. If you disagree with how your child handled the bullying, do not criticize him or her.
6. Do not tell your child to fight back. This could make the matter worse and lead to discipline issues at school.
7. Control your emotions. Let some time elapse before deciding what to do.
8. Talk to your child’s teacher or contact the MS office at 839-4195 to report incidents of bullying to Mr. Black or Mr. Shoemaker.

Using Student Agendas

At the beginning of each school year, students are provided an agenda that can be used to help them stay organized. Proper use of the agenda on a daily basis is an excellent habit in helping to develop organization skills with students. Many teachers at CRMS remind students on a regular basis to post their assignments and upcoming tests/quizzes in their planners To further encourage regular use of the agendas, restroom and hall pass privileges are granted to students through presentation of their agendas. Agendas can also be helpful for students in managing their time as practices, games, work schedules, social activities, appointments and other events can be entered. Doing so often results in students recognizing they must use and plan their time after school very wisely. Regular use of an agenda isn’t hard, but it is a skill that needs to be developed and practiced. Parents are wise to encourage their children to use their agendas as it will help them in becoming more organized, and result in better school performance!

Staying Involved, Worth Quoting, & Organizational Tips

Staying Involved:  (1/3/11)

Middle aged children may act as though they would like their parents to disappear at times.  But when it comes to school success, middle school students still need their parents around.    When parents are involved in their child’s learning, student achievement soars.  Children score higher on tests, turn in better projects, and participate more in class if they know their parents care and take an interest in their education.
Staying involved in your child’s learning can occur at anytime during the day.  Talk about homework while preparing dinner, or watch an educational TV program or documentary together at night.  Visit a historical site on the weekend, or participate in any activity with your child that involves acquisition of new knowledge.  By doing so you are modeling the importance of learning.

Teachers will welcome your commitment and interest, whether you volunteer at school events, or just take an active role in your child’s studies by providing support with homework and test preparation.  Call or email your child’s teacher’s to see what you can do …in or out of school… to help your child be successful!

Worth quoting: (1/3/11)

This month to honor the celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. on January 17th, a quote is being provided that would apply to us all.

“The time is always right to do what is right”  - Martin Luther King Jr.

Organization Tips:  (1/3/11)

 If your son or daughter is like a lot of students in their “middle year”, organization can be a challenge.  Here a few tips that you may find of value to support your child in becoming more organized.

• Use time at school wisely.  Most teachers provide class time to get a start on homework.  Making efficient use of time at school reduces what needs to be done at home.
• Develop routines.   Routines can help get students more organized and get items completed more efficiently.  Assist in establishing routines in the morning that include getting up allowing  plenty of time to get ready as well as sufficient  time for breakfast.    Before your child goes to bed each night, assist in getting everything ready for the next day of school.  Place backpacks, binders, books, homework, and other items in the same place each night.  If there is something that is needed in the morning, leave a note so it won’t be forgotten.
• Make  “To-Do” Lists.  Each day help develop a habit with your child of making a list of things that need to be completed.  Place the most important things at the top.  Creating a “to-do” list and attacking one thing at a time helps prevent kids from feeling overwhelmed.
• Create a Study Plan.   Establish a study plan with your son or daughter allowing them choice in when, where, and what needs to be studied.   Be flexible with the plan, knowing there will be conflicts, but stick to an agreed upon time period each day.  Making this as a part of a child’s after school routine develops consistency and creates good habits.