Washington Middle School Counseling

As difficult as it may be to believe, there are only 6 weeks of school left. The WASL testing went smoothly, thanks to the efficiency, organization, and professionalism of Takiyah Jackson. (Counselors are still directed to organize and administer the WASL process; our department and others across the District are working on moving test administration, a non-counseling task which takes us away from our students for weeks, off our plates so that we can spend our time counseling students and working with their families.) Everyone has breathed a sigh of relief, and the school day has gotten back to our version of “normal.”

Students seem to ramp up with the weather, and there are many educational and social issues “springing” up along with the flowers. Upheavals are also in store for the school as a whole, as the effects of the Legislature’s refusal to prioritize the educational needs of the state’s children work themselves out in layoffs, staffing changes, increased class sizes, and fewer services.  A difficult time got just that much more difficult.

Stay tuned—to your student, stay in touch with your teachers, and monitor the workload assigned. Above all, spend quality time with your student that has nothing to do with school. that’s one of the best preventative measures out there.

Whatever you may think of this assessment, it will be happening here at WMS tomorrow through Thursday this week, and Tuesday through Thursday next week. Students are encouraged to get a good night’s sleep, and also to eat a good breakfast before coming to school. If your student would like to bring a snack on testing days, it will only be allowed in class. No food is allowed in the hallways. Also, no drinks are allowed. Students may go to the water fountain before and after testing or during a break. Teachers have been asked to keep homework to a minimum during this period. Finally, only n umber two pencils are allowed. Specifics on the test schedule, if you’re interested, and answers to any other question can be had from your grade-level counselor.