High School course request must be turned into Ms. Riley by Friday, January 13th. Students have until the last day of school to make schedule changes!

Yearbook and Journalism applications are due to Ms. Riley Wednesday, February 1st!

Below is a link to my scheduling powerpoint presentation, scheduling sheet, and high school math flow chart.

High School Scheduling

Students may make changes to their high school course request until Thursday, May 31st!

Report Cards

March 28

June 8 (sent via mail)

PSSA Tests

6th, 7th, & 8th grade PSSA (Reading & Math) March 12-24

8th grade PSSA (Writing) April 16-20

8th grade PSSA (Science) April 23-May 4

Olweus Classroom Meetings

Olweus Kick Off Presentation- Monday, October 31st

6th grade- 2nd & 4th Wednesday of every month

7th & 8th grade- 2nd Wednesday of every month

Olweus Bully Prevention Program

Penn Middle School Students will kick-off the Olweus Bully Prevention Program Monday, October 31st! The first classroom meeting will be held Wednesday, October 19th!

Core components of the program are implemented at the school, classroom, and individual levels.

School-level components include—

• Formation of a Bullying Prevention Coordinating Committee
• Distribution of an anonymous student questionnaire assessing the nature and prevalence of bullying
• Training for committee members and staff
• Development of a coordinated system of supervision
• Adoption of school-wide rules against bullying
• Development of appropriate positive and negative consequences for students' behavior
• Holding staff discussion groups related to the program
• Involvement of parents

Classroom-level components include—

• Reinforcement of school-wide rules against bullying
• Holding regular classroom meetings with students to increase knowledge and empathy
• Informational meetings with parents

Individual-level components include—

• Interventions with children who bully
• Interventions with children who are bullied
• Discussions with parents of involved students

Stay tuned for more information on the Olweus Bully Prevention Program!

Peer Tutoring/Tutoring

Peer Tutors are available for all subject areas. Please contact Ms. Riley for further information.

Afternoon tutoring is also available for math Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:15-4:00pm. Language Arts/Literature and Reading Tutoring is available by appointment only Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday form 3:15-3:4:00pm. Parents must provide transportation home!

As a result of the PA Standards for Career and Work, we will be implementing career developmental activities for students in grades 7 & 8.

7th grade students will be participating in a career exploration program called The Real Game. In this game, students play adult roles to learn about the aspects of real life that they will one day face as adults (working, earning money, budgeting for housing, groceries, transportation, entertainment, etc.). Mrs. Riley will be facilitating this program during science class..

8th grade students will have the opportunity to take a Career Interest Inventory and investigate career possibilities on-line. In the spring, 8th graders will participate in our annual Career Day!

Study Skill Tips

ORGANIZATION

• Use your homework book.

• Make sure you have the right supplies (binder, notebook, all purpose folder, soft supply case).

• Keep your backpack and locker neat.

• Pack your backpack the night before.

• Have phone numbers for classmates.

TIME MANAGEMENT

• Make a weekly schedule.

• Keep a monthly calendar.

• Use class time and study halls.

• Have everything you need before you start.

• Combine task.

• Don’t procrastinate!

ACTIVE LISTENING

• Pay attention and sit up strait.

• Look at the speaker.

• Avoid distractions.

• Take notes to help you remember.

• Repeat what is being said in your own word.

NOTE TAKING

• Be an active listener.

• Take notes to help you pay attention.

• Recognize important information.

• Put a question mark in the margin next to anything you do not understand.

• Use abbreviations.

• Put the name of the class, the date, and page number at the top of each page.

• Write on every other line.

TEST TAKING

• Study in a quiet, comfortable place where you can concentrate.

• Include review time in your weekly schedule.

• Make a study sheet.

• Put a question mark next to the information you are unsure about.

• Study with a friend.

• Get a good night’s rest and eat a healthy breakfast.

• Read and follow directions carefully.

• If you don’t know an answer, skip it. Go back to it later.

Student Assistance Program

What is the Student Assistance Program (S.A.P.)?

In Pennsylvania, every middle and high school and some elementary schools have a Student Assistance Program (SAP). A SAP team, made up of school and community agency staff, is here to help you access school and community services.

PennMiddle School S.A.P. Team

Mr. James Simpson, Principal

Dr. Bill Hahn, School Psychologist

Mrs. Linnea Riley, Counselor

Mrs. Fran Strane, Nurse

Mrs. Becky Hohol, S.A.P. Liaison

Mrs. Anna Inglese, Head Teacher

Mrs. Kathy Kelly-Garris, Teacher

Mr. Chad Waszo, Teacher

Mrs. Kelly Podkul, Teacher

Mrs. Stagno, Teacher

Miss Jane DeBone, Art Teacher

Mrs. Elissa DeBiase, L.S. Teacher

Miss Lea Vanelli, Gifted Teacher

Do You See Your Child Showing Any of These Behaviors?

• Withdrawing from family, friends, and/or school
• Changing friends; no longer spends time with old friends
• Unexplained physical injuries
• Talking about suicide
• Depressed
• Defying authority, both at home and at school
• Acting aggressively
• Lying
• Needing money without an explanation
• Sudden drop in grades
• Experimenting with drugs or alcohol

Are You Concerned About Your Child's Reaction To:

• Recent death of a loved one
• Divorce of parents
• Family relocation
• A relationship problem
• Other traumatic event

How Does My Child Become Involved in the Program?

PennMiddle School's SAP team will help you find services and assistance within the school and, if needed, in the community. We do not diagnose, treat, or refer your child for treatment. Rather, we will provide you with information; you make the choices. Remember, you are part of our team. Our goal is to help your child succeed in school.

Students come to the SAP team in different ways. Anyone can refer a student to the Student Assistance Program. Some students are referred by teachers and other school personnel. Any school staff member, a student's friend or family member can let the SAP team know that they are worried about someone. The students themselves can even go directly to the SAP team to ask for help. However, the SAP team will not become involved unless we receive your permission.

What Happens After I Give My Permission

There are several steps that the team will take after you sign the permission form:

1. The SAP team will gather specific information about your child's performance in school from all school staff that has contact with your child. A SAP team member will also talk with you either in person or over the phone about your observations, your child's strengths, and your concerns.
2. Together, you and the SAP team will develop a plan of action to help your child achieve success in school. The plan might include services and activities in school and/or services from a community agency. If necessary, the SAP team will talk with you about services in the community and give you information on how to contact others who may be able to help.
3. The SAP team will continue to work with and support your child. They will stay in touch with you to talk about your child's progress and success in school. Your continued involvement is very important.

Contacting PennMiddle School's SAP Team

If you feel your child may need help, complete the SAP Referral Form and return to Mrs. Riley, Guidance Counselor. If you have further questions, please call 724-744-7877.

Core components of the program are implemented at the school, classroom, and individual levels.

School-level components include—

Classroom-level components include—

• Reinforcement of school-wide rules against bullying
• Holding regular classroom meetings with students to increase knowledge and empathy
• Informational meetings with parents

Individual-level components include—

• Interventions with children who bully
• Interventions with children who are bullied
• Discussions with parents of involved students

Stay tuned for more information on the Olweus Bully Prevention Program!

As a result of the PA Standards for Career and Work, we will be implementing career developmental activities for students in grades 6, 7, & 8.

6th grade students will view the Real Life 101 video series during their study hall period. This exciting and informative program steps into the lives of fascinating people to see what it’s like to do what others do for a living. There are thirteen videos highlighting thirty-nine occupations.

7th grade students will be participating in a career exploration program called The Real Game. In this game, students play adult roles to learn about the aspects of real life that they will one day face as adults (working, earning money, budgeting for housing, groceries, transportation, entertainment, etc.). Mrs. Riley will be facilitating this program during science class..

8th grade students will have the opportunity to take a Career Interest Inventory and investigate career possibilities on-line. In the spring, 8th graders will participate in our annual Career Day!

What is the Student Assistance Program (S.A.P.)?

In Pennsylvania, every middle and high school and some elementary schools have a Student Assistance Program (SAP). A SAP team, made up of school and community agency staff, is here to help you access school and community services.

Peer Tutors are available for all subject areas. Please contact Mrs. Riley
for further information.

Afternoon tutoring is also available for math Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:15-4:00pm. Language Arts/Literature and Reading Tutoring is available Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday form 3:15-3:45. Parents must provide transportation home!

Report Cards

November 8

January 25

March 30

June 10 (sent via mail)

PSSA Tests

6th, 7th, & 8th grade PSSA (Reading & Math) March 14-

8th grade PSSA (Writing) March 28-

8th grade PSSA (Science) April 4-