8th Grade

Open Enrollment has started!

2012-02-28T18:55:22Z

Hey 8th graders, parents/guardians,

High school assignments have arrived—congratulations, you’re on your way! Many students are excited with where they’re going, or anxious about how to change to another school. Some students have already approached me to ask about how to change their high school assignment. The school district’s Open Enrollment process has started. It began yesterday, February 27th, and closes Friday, March 9th. Students and parent/guardians will need to fill out a High School Choice form if students want to try and change their high school assignment. Go to the school district website: http://www.seattleschools.org and go to the “Additional Links” on the right of the screen. Open up the “Open Enrollment” link. From there, scroll down to the section where it says “To apply for a school change assignment.” Open that up and follow the directions on how to apply for a new school assignment. Fill out the form and return it to the John Standford Center’s Enrollment Services department before March 9th. If you have any questions, please let me know. I also have made copies of the High School Choice form, in case students want to pick one up from me. You can reach me at 206-252-2614, or email me at clgoldstein@seattleschools.org.

Thanks,
Mr. Goldstein

Thank you for a successful Middle to High School Transition evening

2012-01-24T00:35:22Z

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

January 4th Middle School to High School evening event

2011-12-07T22:54:48Z

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
clgoldstein@seattleschools.org

Promotion to High School = Mission Accomplished

2011-06-22T18:11:51Z

Boat Cruise is Smooth Sailing

2011-06-10T18:06:57Z

3rd Quarter Class Visits Completed

2011-04-15T18:02:50Z

Second Quarter Class Visits Completed

2011-01-22T03:28:52Z

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.

These often occur in outside-school activities, such as parties. They include usage of alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and sexual activities, and also other self-harming behaviors, bullying and fights. While there are some 8th graders already active in these areas, many are not. The idea is to think about how one feels about each of these areas, and to be prepared to answer when confronted with a decision involving one (e.g., “Want to try this?”, etc.). I also said that because these are generally unsafe activities, people may want to help their friends if they see them engaging in them. This can cause some turmoil, because students often don’t want to be seen as “snitching” on their friends. Despite my having spent most of the past 3 years trying to distinguish between reporting for fear of a friend’s safety, and actively trying to get someone in trouble, there is still a code at work which makes it difficult for young people to do the right thing.

So, I offered 4 ways to report:

Direct—the student comes to see me 1-on-1, tells me what’s going on, and solicits my help in trying to take care of his friend, or himself.
“What if…? game”—The student wants to talk with me 1-on-1, but isn’t sure she’s ready to divulge the identity of the person she’s concerned about. So, she plays this game, in which she asks, “Mr. Bilides, what if you had a friend who was…?” I answer this hypothetical question, and then that is either sufficient for the student, and she leaves to work on it herself, or she reveals more information to help solve the problem with a specific problem.”
Group intervention—The student doesn’t want to come to me alone, but does want to talk with me, so he gathers up 1 or more friends to come with him, and we discuss it together. Often, the other friends have the same concern about the targeted student. Out of this approach can come an intervention, in which the concerning student comes to my office and meets with the group. This has been powerful, especially if the friends has been thinking that no one cares.
Anonymous—the student, for whatever reason, doesn’t want to talk with me or reveal her name. Instead she write a note to me describing her concern and her friend’s name, hoping something will happen. I have received such a note regarding a student who was talking about suicide. thanks to that student’s anonymous friend, I was able to speak with the student, and get some help, and follow-up.,/li>

The next all-8th grade talks will occur near the end of 3rd quarter and deal with high school graduation requirements.

First quarter class visits target 8th grade job description

2010-10-26T02:01:00Z

I visited all the math classes in the first of 4 quarterly visits to the 8th grade class. The Counseling Department is trying to reach all WMS students 4 times a year with grade- and time-relevant info. For this first visit, I spoke about focusing on the upcoming move to high school, about needing to develop the skill of asking for help, and about the recent media blitz of teen suicides attributed in part to bullying, particularly anti-gay harassment

I also asked each class to break into small groups and create an 8th grade job description: what might a school be looking for if it were to higher the ideal 8th grade student? THe students came up with a great list of qualities, including among many others: perseverance, serving as a role model, taking responsibility, and working hard. Now of course, we have to help them fulfill their description.

Team Read info meeting draws over a third of class

2010-09-17T16:38:19Z

The after-school program Team Read is seeking 8th grade volunteers to tutor 2nd and 3rd graders in reading twice per week. 8th grade volunteers would work one-on-one with young readers who are looking to make significant gains in reading. All necessary training is provided by Team Read staff. This is a great job and tutoring experience, with fun incentives and graduation parties.

When I put out a call for volunteers nearly 130 students signed up to attend the information meeting this past Wednesday in the Library. Most took applications and are filling them out. If this sounds like a good experience for your student, encourage them to apply.

Applications are in the Counseling Office, Room 134, and are due Sept. 23rd.

We’re Back

2010-09-11T01:53:19Z

The first week is one of the easiest and also one of the most difficult for our students. In most of their heads, summer was over weeks ago, as they were anxious to meet up with friends and see what’s up with their schoolmates and classes. The apparent chaos of schedule handouts was made much easier by our wonderful parent volunteers, and by this time, the 8th graders knew the drill; it went pretty smoothly.

In Seattle schools, most middle school counselors are still assigned the non-counseling duty of organizing and adjusting schedules. Some day, this will change, but in the meantime, I will be busy the next week or two getting TA’s scheduled, fixing glitches, and answering the many student and parent requests to change a schedule in a system that is unbelievably interlocked and complicated. “You can ask for anything, but you will only get something.” Remember, it’s just middle school, and we will make sure your student gets the best education we can provide.

Pleae do contact me if you have questions or concerns (check the FAQ area of this site first), and I will get back to you as soon as I can. For now, sit back and be there when your student comes home excited (or pensive); the beginning of the school year is a great time to begin a habit of conversation.

8TH GRADE IS OFF TO A TERRIFIC START

2009-10-09T16:05:10Z

Welcome back to school 8th grade Jr. Huskies. The 8th grade class has done a great job these past four weeks. The new students have done a terrific job of being flexible and open to their new adjustment and they have transitioned very smoothly. The returning students have been doing a wonderful job of helping the new students’ transition. We are all working together to make this 8th grade year successful and fun for every 8th grade student. To ensure that all 8th graders meet their ultimate level of success, we suggests that you check source on a regular basis, use your planners on a daily basis and develop a time-management routine for homework. If you need additional support, please communicate with your teachers as well as your Counselor. I look forward to seeing 8th Grade have a terrific year.

New 8th Grade Student Welcome this Tuesday

2009-08-29T17:10:07Z

All 7th and 8th grade students new to Washington Middle School this coming school year are welcomed and encouraged to come to a New Student Orientation on Tuesday, September 1, from 10:00 am to noon, in the WMS lunchroom. Meet other students, ask your questions, find out important information about Washington, meet staff members, take a tour. Yes, there will be snacks!

This is a great chance to get a feel for the school and staff before everyone else arrives with you at the start of school on September 9. We warmly invite you to attend to event!

A couple of new items to share

2009-02-20T20:12:48Z

Hey 8th Graders and parents/guardians,

As the Mid-Winter break is winding down, I’m hoping that you students had a great week off, and that you parents/guardians were able to spend some quality time with your kiddos!

A couple of things that I wanted to share:

1. Washington Middle School was selected by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the annual National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP). WMS is among hundreds of other middle schools around the country participating in an assessment of what 8th grade students know and can do in various subject areas. Assessment data is captured and made into a report called “The Nation’s Report Card,” which helps educators and policy makers shape the way education is practiced in the United States. Ninety WMS 8th graders were randomly selected to be assessed in either math, reading or science. The assessment will take place Wednesday the 25th of February, between 8:00 and 9:30 AM. I had a chance to meet with about 80 of those students on February 11th, to notify them that they were selected to pareticipate in the assessment, and to give them parent/gaurdian notification letters to give to you,so that you’ll understand what this assessment is all about. Students can opt out if they want—I just need a note signed by a parent/gaurdian. If you have any questions about the NAEP assessment, please call me at 206-252-2614, or email me at clgoldstein@seattleschools.org.

2. The Washington State Department of Ecology Youth Corps is looking for hard working young people between the ages of 14 and 17, who want to help clean the environment and earn money this summer. The Ecology Youth Corps has no income, academic or previous work experience requirements. There is an application process that students need to follow—they can get one from me directly, or from the following website: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/swfa/eyc/nwro.html. For those students who really care about the environment, this could be a great summer opportunity.

Again, I hope your week off was fun, exciting, and restful. See you Monday!!

Mr. Goldstein

Need any help with how to study? Check out these on-line resources.

2008-11-03T01:45:36Z

Hey 8th Graders and parents/guardians,

I have a few questions to ask you.

Students: Do you sometimes struggle with how to study for an assignment or a test? Do you sometimes get a wee bit disorganized around time management and prioritization when it comes to studying?

Parents/guardians: Do you sometimes wonder how you can support your child’s academic and emotional growth in more effective ways?

It’s been my experience, that learning how to study takes time and practice. It’s not an easy thing to do, especially with all of the distractions that get us off task on a daily basis. Examining the myriad of different strategies about how to study well, deserves a conversation between students/parents and the appropriate school personnel that can best help out. However, there are also many different on-line resources that have great ideas around this topic.

Heather Hoffacker, one of Washington’s LA/SS teachers recently shared with our faculty three on-line study skills resources that I think offer excellent and practical ways of teaching students how to do homework efficiently, study for tests, organize time, and reduce procrastination. These websites are:

http://how-to-study.com/
http://www.scholastic.com/kids/homework/
http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/school/time/

I invite you—students and parents/guaridans, to take a look at what these websites have to offer. I think you’ll find something in any one of them that can help you become a better student, and a better supporter of your child’s academic and emotional growth.

As always, if you have questions or concerns that you’d like to talk with me about, please call me at 206-252-2614, or e-mail me at clgoldstein@seattleschools.org. I look forward to hearing from you.

Now, go do your homework!

Mr. Goldstein

Homework help through the Seattle Public Library

2008-10-19T21:00:05Z

Hey 8th Graders and parents/guaridans,

For those who don’t know, Seattle Public Library has ONLINE HOMEWORK HELP available. Go to http://www.spl.org, choose “Homework Help” and then “Online Homework Help.” You may log in with your SPL card number and PIN. Also, at area library branches, young adult librarians have set up afterschool homework clubs. You can find out this information as well, on the Seattle Public Library website. From what I’ve heard, parents and students rave about these services.

If you have any questions or need additional information, please call me at 206-252-2614, or e-mail me at clgoldstein@seattleschools.org.

Thanks,
Corey