8th Grade

Thank you to all the students, parents, WMS staff, PTSA, and high school counselors who made our first Middle to High School Transition Night a success.  Over 275 students and parents joined us in the WMS cafeteria on January 4th for delicious desserts and to talk about high school expectations.  High school counselors from Garfield, Franklin, Ingraham, Cleveland, Center School, NOVA, and Rainier Beach gave an overview about the registration process, high school requirements, programs offered, and skills to succeed in high school and beyond.  Students and parents also had an opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the programs and requirements at each high school.  Students and parents left with a greater understanding of what to expect in high school, how to prepare, and a new found excitement for their future.  Thank you again to all who joined us.  If you are interested in learning more about prospective high schools, check out the high school tour dates below.

Open Houses:
Ballard – February 9th, 14th, and 29th (8am-9:30am) and February 15th (7pm-9pm)
Center School - February 9th and March 1st (6pm-8pm)
Cleveland – January 18th, February 15th, and March 6th (8am-10am)
Franklin – February 16th (8:30am-10am)
Garfield – January 12th (6pm-7:30pm)
Ingraham – February 1st (7pm-8:30pm)
NOVA – January 31st, February 14th, and March 1st (12:00pm-1:00pm) an February 9th (6pm-7:30pm)
Rainier Beach – January 19th, February 16th (6:30pm-8pm)
West Seattle – February 16th (6:30pm-8pm)
*Please check individual school websites for open house information and updates.

Thank you again!

Corey Goldstein
8th grade Counselor

Hi 8th Grade students and families,

Can you believe it, high school is just around the corner!  Students—do you have questions about what high school is really like, what to expect that first day/week, and how to have a successful 9th grade year?  Parents/guardians—do you have questions about what high school your child might attend, questions about the specific school that you know your child will be attending, and questions or concerns about how to help your new high schooler navigate through that crucial first year?  If so, then come and participate in an evening event that addresses all of this and more.

On Wednesday, January 4th, 2012, from 7:00-8:30 PM, come to our cafeteria to listen to high school counselors from Garfield, Franklin, Ingraham and Cleveland, talk about the nuts and bolts of high school.  They’ll discuss what activities students can become involved in, how to make the 9th grade work, how to avoid and solve problems that can negatively impact the 9th grade, and give a glimpse of what the first week of high school will be like.  They’ll also take your questions, and give you their best answers about anything having to do with high school.

Yummy desserts and beverages will also be available.  So come listen and learn from four high school counselors about that next big academic step you’re about to take—-high school!

Corey Goldstein
8th Grade Counselor
Washington Middle School
206-252-2614
(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)

A brisk and efficient promotion ceremony was the final touch for this class of eight graders. The mood was upbeat throughout, and those present packed the gym, took lots of pictures, did some crying, and talked excitedly about moving on to high school next year. While not every student was able to participate in the ceremony, all students will be moving on for the much more difficult task of finishing their high school education and earning a diploma in four years. I will miss this class a lot. Our very best wishes!

Three hundred eighth graders had a terrific and enjoyable day today sailing around the waters in Elliott Bay. There was food and drink available throughout, so no one got hungry or thirsty, tons of pictures were taken, and a lot of dancing, all under the watchful eyes of 8th grade staff. The only mishap was that the DJ got left behind, and we had to go back and pick him up, but he made up for it with music appropriate for a school function and which the kids could still enjoy. This was a very nice send off for our class.

I have visited all 8th grade classrooms for the third quarter, as part of the Counseling Department’s in-class program. I focused on finishing up the quarter in a strong way, but spent the bulk of my time going over high school graduation requirements.

I finished the 2nd of 4 all-8th grade visits today. This time I went to al the Science classes. I talked about finishing up the 2nd quarter in a strong way. The quarter’s grades are averaged with 1st quarter to give a semester grade, and that latter grade is what is included on the academic transcript. I also talked about how 8th grade is really the beginning of high school, in the sense that work habits, attitudes toward school, and other factors often get set for the next 4 years while in 8th grade. High school is already starting, in other words. I encouraged them all to tour not just their own high school in their neighborhood, but a second one, to give them some perspective.

I spent most of my time discussing what in past years are the distractions and events that can derail 8th graders.