8th Grade

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!

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 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.