http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/8th-grade en clgoldstein@seattleschools.org Copyright 2012 2012-02-28T19:55:22+00:00 http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/open-enrollment-has-started/ http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/open-enrollment-has-started/#When:18:55:22Z 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 2012-02-28T18:55:22+00:00 http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/thank-you-for-a-successful-middle-to-high-school-transition-evening/ http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/thank-you-for-a-successful-middle-to-high-school-transition-evening/#When:00:35:22Z 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 2012-01-24T00:35:22+00:00 http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/january-4th-middle-school-to-high-school-evening-event/ http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/january-4th-middle-school-to-high-school-evening-event/#When:22:54:48Z 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 High School 2011-12-07T22:54:48+00:00 http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/promotion-to-high-school-mission-accomplished/ http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/promotion-to-high-school-mission-accomplished/#When:18:11:51Z 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! High School 2011-06-22T18:11:51+00:00 http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/boat-cruise-is-smooth-sailing/ http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/boat-cruise-is-smooth-sailing/#When:18:06:57Z 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. Field Trips 2011-06-10T18:06:57+00:00 http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/3rd-quarter-class-visits-completed/ http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/3rd-quarter-class-visits-completed/#When:18:02:50Z 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. High School 2011-04-15T18:02:50+00:00 http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/second-quarter-class-visits-completed/ http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/second-quarter-class-visits-completed/#When:03:28:52Z 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. Counseling, School Climate 2011-01-22T03:28:52+00:00 http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/first-quarter-class-visits-target-8th-grade-job-description/ http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/first-quarter-class-visits-target-8th-grade-job-description/#When:02:01:00Z 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. High School, School Climate 2010-10-26T02:01:00+00:00 http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/team-read-info-meeting-draws-over-a-third-of-class/ http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/team-read-info-meeting-draws-over-a-third-of-class/#When:16:38:19Z 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. Reading, Tutoring 2010-09-17T16:38:19+00:00 http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/were-back/ http://www.wmscounseling.org/index.php/site/were-back/#When:01:53:19Z 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. Start of School 2010-09-11T01:53:19+00:00