There are shots 6th graders must have to start middle school just as certain shots are required for a child to start Kindergarten. You may already have these, but it certainly is worth a check so your child doesn't get stuck at home at the start of the 2010-2011 school year! By the way, Rockdale County Schools will start Thursday, July 29th. CLICK HERE to see the immunization flyer for parents and CLICK HERE for the RCPS School Calendar for 2010-2011.
Avoid the rush! Get these early! If you have questions about hwo to get shots for children who aren't insured, feel free to call me at Hightower (770-388-0751).
The info on the flyer states:
ALL CHILDREN ENTERING 6TH GRADE (ON OR AFTER July 1, 2007) ARE
REQUIRED TO MEET THE FOLLOWING REQUIREMENTS:
1. Have two doses of Measles vaccine, two doses of Mumps vaccine and one
dose of Rubella vaccine or laboratory proof of immunity against Measles,
Mumps and Rubella
2. Have two doses of Varicella (chicken pox) vaccine or documentation of disease
or laboratory proof of immunity. At the time your child entered school only
one dose of this vaccine was required. If your child has a certificate marked
“Complete for School”, he/she may need to obtain the 2nd dose of varicella
vaccine and will need to submit documentation of meeting the requirement
on the Georgia Certificate of Immunization upon entry to school
3. Contact your health care provider to receive any needed vaccinations and to
obtain the Georgia Certificate of Immunization (Form 3231)
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Events for Soon-To-Be 6th Graders!
Middle School Orientation for Students
CMS: Tues., May 4th
DMS, EMS & MMS: Wed., May 5th
These trips happen during the school day and are completely free of charge. All students received permissions slips to take home. If you didn't get one, call Ms. Perry@ Hightower. We'll be back at HTE around 11:00 and will have a sack lunch in the cafeteria. Most of our students will attend CMS, but there are several zoned for MMS and a few for EMS. All students can attend the field trip to CMS so they don’t feel left out.
Parent Programs
Conyers Middle School - Tuesday, May 11th, 6:00-7:00 pm
Davis Middle School - Wednesday, May 5th, 6:30-7:30 pm
Edwards Middle School - Tuesday, May 4th, 6:30 pm
Memorial Middle School – Thursday, May 13th, 6:30pm
Questions? Call Alicia Perry, School Counselor @ Hightower Trail (770-388-0751)
CMS: Tues., May 4th
DMS, EMS & MMS: Wed., May 5th
These trips happen during the school day and are completely free of charge. All students received permissions slips to take home. If you didn't get one, call Ms. Perry@ Hightower. We'll be back at HTE around 11:00 and will have a sack lunch in the cafeteria. Most of our students will attend CMS, but there are several zoned for MMS and a few for EMS. All students can attend the field trip to CMS so they don’t feel left out.
Parent Programs
Conyers Middle School - Tuesday, May 11th, 6:00-7:00 pm
Davis Middle School - Wednesday, May 5th, 6:30-7:30 pm
Edwards Middle School - Tuesday, May 4th, 6:30 pm
Memorial Middle School – Thursday, May 13th, 6:30pm
Questions? Call Alicia Perry, School Counselor @ Hightower Trail (770-388-0751)
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Starting Kindergarten This Year??
Hightower Trail has many exciting events for children and parents who will join our school for the 2010-11 school year. Spread the word! More info to come later. Questions? Speak with your child's PreK Teacher or call the counseling office at Hightower Trail (770-388-0751, ext. 112)
Kinder Camp (FREE!)
July 12-15, 2010 (Mornings Only)
Kinder Camp (FREE!)
July 12-15, 2010 (Mornings Only)
Parent to Child: "What Were You Thinking?!??"
We might be rich if we were paid 5 cents every time an adult said this to a child or teenager. This classic question often does not lead to the "Eureka!" we wish it would (sure does inspire a lot of "I don't know..."), so I am hoping to encourage a few parents who may read this.
Sometimes, young people do things that just don't make sense to us. We probably did it to our parents and our grandchildren will most likely do it to our children. "What were you thinking" or "Why did you do that?" are honest questions - we truly are baffled and want to understand, right? Alas, I find, that most children really don't know. Answering with a shoulder shrug or something like that can be a way of communicating they aren't ready to talk about it (or don't know HOW). Sometimes, we just don't get very far with that question and young people hear it as more of a judgement ("You are stupid") and less of a conversation starter.
So you might be thinking..."OK know-it-all counselor...then what DO I do?" Which is a fair question. As a school counselor, sometimes I talk with children in the midst of these conflicts with other adults and people ask me to try to help. I often wonder what goal or purpose their behavior had and sometimes they don't want to talk to me (I could easily be a spy for other grown ups who are mad at them, right?).
Here are some general tips. Full disclosure: every situation is different and there are few 'silver bullets' that can tackle every single problem. I'm happy to talk with you if you don't get anywhere with these so we can find something that will work.
1. Check yourself and take time to calm down. Kids are great watch dogs for our anger or nerves. Security walls of protection go up if they sense they are about to face a firing squad.
2. "I'm noticing...and I wonder..." Notice their body language. Make a comment about it and then think outloud about what feeling you think it shows (mad, glad, sad or scared are good starting places). Example: "I'm noticing that you are looking at the ground and I wonder if you are scared of getting in trouble." OR "I'm noticing that your back is facing me and I wonder if you are nervous about talking with me." The beauty of this statement is that it shows you are present with them, focusing on them and care about how they feel. It helps lower that "security wall" and sets the tone for a productive conversation.
3. Remind them of your love and protection. Those are 2 fundamental needs of people of all ages. Remind them you love them no matter what and are always focused on making sure they are safe. If they have made a bad choice for which they will be punished, then it is even more powerful to make yourself "The Protector" rather than "The Boss." Children tend to respect authority figures more when they see them as someone there to keep them and everyone else safe and healthy. Power struggles tend to increase when they see adults strictly as the "Law of the Land that shall not be disobeyed."
I was inspired to write this after listening to a great story on NPR about how the brain of a teenager is physically different than an adult - and has LOTS to do with why they make decisions that seem so illogical to adults.
Click here to go to their website to listen to or read about one parent's story.
Sometimes, young people do things that just don't make sense to us. We probably did it to our parents and our grandchildren will most likely do it to our children. "What were you thinking" or "Why did you do that?" are honest questions - we truly are baffled and want to understand, right? Alas, I find, that most children really don't know. Answering with a shoulder shrug or something like that can be a way of communicating they aren't ready to talk about it (or don't know HOW). Sometimes, we just don't get very far with that question and young people hear it as more of a judgement ("You are stupid") and less of a conversation starter.
So you might be thinking..."OK know-it-all counselor...then what DO I do?" Which is a fair question. As a school counselor, sometimes I talk with children in the midst of these conflicts with other adults and people ask me to try to help. I often wonder what goal or purpose their behavior had and sometimes they don't want to talk to me (I could easily be a spy for other grown ups who are mad at them, right?).
Here are some general tips. Full disclosure: every situation is different and there are few 'silver bullets' that can tackle every single problem. I'm happy to talk with you if you don't get anywhere with these so we can find something that will work.
1. Check yourself and take time to calm down. Kids are great watch dogs for our anger or nerves. Security walls of protection go up if they sense they are about to face a firing squad.
2. "I'm noticing...and I wonder..." Notice their body language. Make a comment about it and then think outloud about what feeling you think it shows (mad, glad, sad or scared are good starting places). Example: "I'm noticing that you are looking at the ground and I wonder if you are scared of getting in trouble." OR "I'm noticing that your back is facing me and I wonder if you are nervous about talking with me." The beauty of this statement is that it shows you are present with them, focusing on them and care about how they feel. It helps lower that "security wall" and sets the tone for a productive conversation.
3. Remind them of your love and protection. Those are 2 fundamental needs of people of all ages. Remind them you love them no matter what and are always focused on making sure they are safe. If they have made a bad choice for which they will be punished, then it is even more powerful to make yourself "The Protector" rather than "The Boss." Children tend to respect authority figures more when they see them as someone there to keep them and everyone else safe and healthy. Power struggles tend to increase when they see adults strictly as the "Law of the Land that shall not be disobeyed."
I was inspired to write this after listening to a great story on NPR about how the brain of a teenager is physically different than an adult - and has LOTS to do with why they make decisions that seem so illogical to adults.
Click here to go to their website to listen to or read about one parent's story.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Parents Helping Parents
I have found out about resources that can help parents of children with special needs. One impressive website has a lot of information about various disabilities (kind of a 'one stop shop')...cancer, arthritis, epilepsy, ADHD, mental illness, medically fragile children, etc., etc.
AtlantaParent.Com
It really helps to be with people who can identify with the challenges you may be facing!
Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta - Resource Directory
Autism/Asperger Resources
Walton County & Surrounding Areas...
FACES (Families of students with Autism or Asperger Syndrome)
http://www.georgiafaces.info/
(770) 356-6140 or waltonfaces@yahoo.com
They also have summer camp info and a group on Facebook!
Newton County/Covington
Family and Friends of Children with Autism
Contact: Glenda Gaither at 770-784-1492
Meets at the Washington Street Community Center, 4138 School St., Covington
Gwinnett County Autism Support Group (SPECTRUM)
(also Sibling Support Group, Social Support Group for Adults with HFA/Aspergers, Parents of Children with Asperger's Support Group, Dad's Group, and Grandparent Support Group)
Free Social Skills groups are offered during monthly meetings for those with autism ages 5-21 and childcare for those under 5- rsvp required.
Contact: Claire Dees at 770-904-2909
Aspergers group contact: Julia Massey at knightsmace@bellsouth.net
Meets the first Thursday of every month from 6:30-8:00pm at
First Baptist Church of Duluth, 2908 Duluth Hwy 120, Duluth, GA 30096
Website: http://www.atl-spectrum.com/
Henry County
Contact: Teri Castle at terri.castle@flukenetworks.com
Dekalb County/Atlanta
Sponsored by: The Marcus Autism
1920 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30329
Contact: Moshe Manheim at 404-785-9491 or moshe.manheim@CHOA.org
Meets the 1st Wednesday of every month from 11:30am-1: 30pm at
The Marcus Autism Center in the Norman Shutters Learning Resource Center
(404) 785-9382
bring a brown bag lunch
AtlantaParent.Com
It really helps to be with people who can identify with the challenges you may be facing!
Down Syndrome Association of Atlanta - Resource Directory
Autism/Asperger Resources
Walton County & Surrounding Areas...
FACES (Families of students with Autism or Asperger Syndrome)
http://www.georgiafaces.info/
(770) 356-6140 or waltonfaces@yahoo.com
They also have summer camp info and a group on Facebook!
Newton County/Covington
Family and Friends of Children with Autism
Contact: Glenda Gaither at 770-784-1492
Meets at the Washington Street Community Center, 4138 School St., Covington
Gwinnett County Autism Support Group (SPECTRUM)
(also Sibling Support Group, Social Support Group for Adults with HFA/Aspergers, Parents of Children with Asperger's Support Group, Dad's Group, and Grandparent Support Group)
Free Social Skills groups are offered during monthly meetings for those with autism ages 5-21 and childcare for those under 5- rsvp required.
Contact: Claire Dees at 770-904-2909
Aspergers group contact: Julia Massey at knightsmace@bellsouth.net
Meets the first Thursday of every month from 6:30-8:00pm at
First Baptist Church of Duluth, 2908 Duluth Hwy 120, Duluth, GA 30096
Website: http://www.atl-spectrum.com/
Henry County
Contact: Teri Castle at terri.castle@flukenetworks.com
Dekalb County/Atlanta
Sponsored by: The Marcus Autism
1920 Briarcliff Road, Atlanta, GA 30329
Contact: Moshe Manheim at 404-785-9491 or moshe.manheim@CHOA.org
Meets the 1st Wednesday of every month from 11:30am-1: 30pm at
The Marcus Autism Center in the Norman Shutters Learning Resource Center
(404) 785-9382
bring a brown bag lunch
Excellent Parent Workshop - FREE!
Parenting is hard stuff, isn't it? This is a wonderful opportunity to hear from a seasoned and highly respected professional. I'll be at the GAPT conference (Georgia Association of Play Therapy) and would love to see you there!
GAPT OFFERS A FREE PARENTING LECTURE
TRUDY POST SPRUNK (GAPT Co-Founder)
PARENTING WITH LOVE
SATURDAY MARCH 13, 2010 ROOM 201 12:15-1:15PM
THE HOLIDAY INN SELECT
5060 PEACHTREE INDUSTRIAL BLVD.,
NORCROSS, GEORGIA
770-448-4400
PARENTING INVOLVES GIVING CHILDREN
~LOVE AND LIMITS
~ROOTS AND WINGS
~SELF ESTEEM
~REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS
~CLEAR MESSAGES
~EMOTIONAL STABILITY
....AND MUCH MORE
TRUDY WILL
+ ADDRESS THE CHILD’S NEED FOR UNSTRUCTURED PLAY OPPORTUNITIES WITH PARENTS
+ GUIDE PARENTS TO LOOK AT REAL LIFE EXAMPLES OF HOW FAMILIES FUNCTION
+ PROVIDE SPECIFIC LOGICAL NO-NONSENSE STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE FAMILY INTERACTIONS
REGISTRATION IS BY EMAIL AT TRUDYPOSTSPRUNK@CHARTER.NET THOSE WISHING TO ATTEND NEED ONLY PROVIDE THEIR NAME AND THE NUMBER ATTENDING IN THEIR PARTY.
TRUDY POST SPRUNK IS AN LMFT, CPT, LPC, RPT, AND IS EMDR CERTIFIED. SHE IS ALSO AN RPT, CPT, AAMFT, LMFT APPROVED SUPERVISOR, AND IS ON THE LPCA REGISTRY OF SUPERVISORS. TRUDY HAS BEEN A PSYCHOTHERAPIST FOR 38 YEARS AND HAS PRESENTED AT INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL, AND LOCAL CONFERENCES AND HAS BEEN INTERVIEWED ON RADIO AND TV. SHE IS PAST-PRESIDENT OF APT AND IS PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER OF GAPT.
GAPT OFFERS A FREE PARENTING LECTURE
TRUDY POST SPRUNK (GAPT Co-Founder)
PARENTING WITH LOVE
SATURDAY MARCH 13, 2010 ROOM 201 12:15-1:15PM
THE HOLIDAY INN SELECT
5060 PEACHTREE INDUSTRIAL BLVD.,
NORCROSS, GEORGIA
770-448-4400
PARENTING INVOLVES GIVING CHILDREN
~LOVE AND LIMITS
~ROOTS AND WINGS
~SELF ESTEEM
~REASONABLE EXPECTATIONS
~CLEAR MESSAGES
~EMOTIONAL STABILITY
....AND MUCH MORE
TRUDY WILL
+ ADDRESS THE CHILD’S NEED FOR UNSTRUCTURED PLAY OPPORTUNITIES WITH PARENTS
+ GUIDE PARENTS TO LOOK AT REAL LIFE EXAMPLES OF HOW FAMILIES FUNCTION
+ PROVIDE SPECIFIC LOGICAL NO-NONSENSE STRATEGIES TO ENHANCE FAMILY INTERACTIONS
REGISTRATION IS BY EMAIL AT TRUDYPOSTSPRUNK@CHARTER.NET THOSE WISHING TO ATTEND NEED ONLY PROVIDE THEIR NAME AND THE NUMBER ATTENDING IN THEIR PARTY.
TRUDY POST SPRUNK IS AN LMFT, CPT, LPC, RPT, AND IS EMDR CERTIFIED. SHE IS ALSO AN RPT, CPT, AAMFT, LMFT APPROVED SUPERVISOR, AND IS ON THE LPCA REGISTRY OF SUPERVISORS. TRUDY HAS BEEN A PSYCHOTHERAPIST FOR 38 YEARS AND HAS PRESENTED AT INTERNATIONAL, NATIONAL, AND LOCAL CONFERENCES AND HAS BEEN INTERVIEWED ON RADIO AND TV. SHE IS PAST-PRESIDENT OF APT AND IS PRESIDENT AND CO-FOUNDER OF GAPT.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Disabilities Awareness Week @ HTE
Every student has strength and challenges. I often tell parents and students that any weakness can be a strength and any strength can become a weakness. That idea is true for everyone - but the strengths and challenges we bring the table are unique to each person. That is the beauty of being human!
Part of childhood is learning how to relate to others that are very different from ourselves. Naturally, children look to adults as role models - but we don't always have the answers, right? They're in that parenting instruction manual we've been searching for all these years. :-) Being around people who are different from us is challenging, which is one strong reason our faculty and staff set the goal of finding a program that would help children learn how to embrace diversity in a variety of ways...including people with disabilities.
Between November 13-20, each grade level will have one day of activities that seek to educate our students about what it is like for a student to have a disability. They will participate in hands-on-activities that help them understand visual, hearing, emotional, physical and cognitive disabilities - as well as Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Our 1st graders started on Friday - based on what I saw, I think they had a great time. Our hope is that this helps create a more supportive and positive learning environment for all our students. Knowledge is power and our goal is for new understandings to impact attitudes and behavior.
I just came across a wonderful parenting blog through the New York Times. I strongly recommend reading this post written by a dad whose son has cerebral palsy (click here to view). Raising a child with a disability can be quite challenging - I often hear parents and children talk about how isolating and lonely it can be. I am hopeful that our Disabilities Awareness Week will help lower those walls that seem to divide us.
Part of childhood is learning how to relate to others that are very different from ourselves. Naturally, children look to adults as role models - but we don't always have the answers, right? They're in that parenting instruction manual we've been searching for all these years. :-) Being around people who are different from us is challenging, which is one strong reason our faculty and staff set the goal of finding a program that would help children learn how to embrace diversity in a variety of ways...including people with disabilities.
Between November 13-20, each grade level will have one day of activities that seek to educate our students about what it is like for a student to have a disability. They will participate in hands-on-activities that help them understand visual, hearing, emotional, physical and cognitive disabilities - as well as Autistic Spectrum Disorders. Our 1st graders started on Friday - based on what I saw, I think they had a great time. Our hope is that this helps create a more supportive and positive learning environment for all our students. Knowledge is power and our goal is for new understandings to impact attitudes and behavior.
I just came across a wonderful parenting blog through the New York Times. I strongly recommend reading this post written by a dad whose son has cerebral palsy (click here to view). Raising a child with a disability can be quite challenging - I often hear parents and children talk about how isolating and lonely it can be. I am hopeful that our Disabilities Awareness Week will help lower those walls that seem to divide us.
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