Lakeview Social Work

Pack the Place!

2012-02-13T09:31:00.002-06:00

Today our school is a sea of gold as Lakeview students show their spirit for Pack the Place,and our girls' basketball team plays Westmont after school. Tomorrow we wear green and the boys play Gower. PTP activities will be fun for all. The sixth grade celebrates Valentine's Day with a party too!

Pack the Place Spirit Week

2012-02-07T09:57:00.002-06:00

Lakeview's got spirit every day and this special week we go all out to show it. Festivities commence tomorrow with ugly shirt/ugly sweater day. Tonight I will be ransacking my closet to find the "perfect" item of clothing and look forward to seeing my competition. For students Thursday is PJ day, followed by twin day Friday. Students are their most creative...let the fun begin!

Cancer Smashers Part 2

2012-02-01T08:54:00.002-06:00

Lakeview and Eisenhower have concluded the friendly competition to raise money for Cancer Smashers.Both schools went above and beyond to raise over $22,500 for the cause. Eisenhower raised the more, which leaves us wondering....what Eisenhower regalia will Mr. Windsor be wearing in the near future?

District Spelling Bee

2012-01-23T12:39:00.002-06:00

Last week all Lakeview students participated in the first round of our district spelling bee. The school was abuzz with excitement. We now have 2 representatives from each grade level who compete tomorrow for the championship. Good luck to all!

Cancer Smashers!

2012-01-18T12:47:00.002-06:00

This week is the kick-off of a friendly competition between Lakeview and our neighbor Eisenhower Junior High. It is a contest to raise funds to be donated to the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center of Northwestern University. Go Eisenhower! Go Lakeview!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-11T08:55:00.002-06:00

As we begin 2012, Lakeview students are taking MAPS tests. It is gratifying to see them putting forth such concentrated effort to do their best.
This "warm" January seems positively affect everyone's outlook...let's hope for more mild winter!

Lakeview has Spirit

2011-12-12T10:19:00.002-06:00

This week Lakeview shows its holiday spirit. Our choir performs at Yorktown Wednesday the 14th at 5PM. We enjoy concerts from both DGS and Lakeview ensembles later in the week. Friday afternoon 6th and 7th graders will be treated to holiday movies. And for the 8th grade, the culmination of December ballroom dance lessons is Friday's ballroom dance. It's going to be a fun and busy week!

Celebrate the Season

2011-12-05T10:25:00.002-06:00

Are you in a festive mood? This week there are two winter concerts for your enjoyment at Lakeview, one Tuesday night and another Wednesday night. Both are at 7 PM. Come and listen to our talented musicians! Also scheduled is a fabulous Book Fair to browse for your holiday reading and gift needs.

A New Trimester and Conferences

2011-11-28T09:34:00.002-06:00

We have returned from our Thanksgiving holiday break, and the second semester is underway. This Thursday, December 1, we will be having conferences from 5-8. Mr. Windsor has emailed parents a letter that allows you to schedule conferences with whomever you'd like to meet with at a time convenient for you. As always, we look forward to meeting with you. See you Thursday!

End of Trimester

2011-11-14T11:11:00.004-06:00

Can you believe that his Friday is the end of first trimester? Tonight if have time use our Parent Connect to check out grades and see if there is any missing work that can be completed ASAP and turned in for credit. Also,we will be switching to second trimester encore classes.

Veteran's Day

2011-11-07T13:14:00.006-06:00

There is no school this Friday, 11/11/11, in honor of Veteran's Day. Many of the eighth graders will be on their long-awaited Washington, D.C. trip. I can think of no better time to visit our nation's capitol and see so many monuments honoring those who have served our country.

Veteran's Day

2011-11-07T13:14:00.005-06:00

Veteran's Day

2011-11-07T13:14:00.004-06:00

Veteran's Day

2011-11-07T13:14:00.003-06:00

Happy Halloween

2011-10-31T13:29:00.002-05:00

Today Lakeview is a sea of orange and black. Students are looking forward to an evening of costumes, trick or treating, and party at the Darien Sportsplex.
Last Friday afternoon the PTO sponsored a party for the sixth grade. There were games in the gym with PE teachers and snacks. I especially enjoyed the soundtrack. Among the songs played were "Monster Mash", "Purple People Eater", "Thriller", "Witch Doctor" "Time Warp", and "Theme from Psycho". Thank you PTO!

Winter Sports

2011-10-24T09:29:00.002-05:00

Last week the Lakeview cross country and volleyball teams wrapped up successful seasons. The athletes and their coaches have demonstrated dedication and hard work. Check out the Lakeview Student Activities handbook for upcoming opportunities to participate in winter sports. Basketball (boys and girls) and basketball cheerleading will be holding try-outs soon...if your student has an interest, they will need a physical on file.

Come and Conference with Us

2011-10-17T08:20:00.003-05:00

Lakeview families have been notified and invited to meet for conferences this Thursday, October 20th, for overview of their children's test scores and achievement. We look forward to meeting with you. If you have not already, please call to set up a time for your conference.
Also, this is School Bus Safety Week. Thanks to Tom Tiede, Director of Transportation, and the bus drivers of District 66 who get our students here safely every day.

Conferences Next Week

2011-10-11T12:37:00.002-05:00

Parents will be getting an email this week to set a time for a conference next week, Thursday, October 20. The purpose of this conference is to give parent(s) an overview of their child's most recent academic and test performance. There will also be time to ask questions. Please take the opportunity to meet with your child's teacher, and when you get home discuss the information with your child as well. See you all next Thursday!

School Projects

2011-10-03T13:16:00.002-05:00

The trimester is well underway, the time when students begin to work on presentations, speeches, book reports, and individual/group projects. It is very difficult for some students to accurately estimate how long it takes to read, research, gather materials and complete assignments. This is a good time to coach your child to "chunk" assignments. Rather than panic the night before a major project is due,encourage breaking the work down into small chunks over an extended period of time. This facilitates a realistic overview of what needs to be done and the time needed to do it. It also results in higher quality learning and work product.

Wednesday Night Lights

2011-09-28T08:47:00.002-05:00

The Lakeview Spartan football team plays tonight under the lights at Downers Grove South High School. The opponent is Eisenhower Junior High. The members of the team I've spoken with are very excited to have this opportunity. Everyone is welcome to come and cheer our Spartan team!

The Ride Rule

2011-09-19T08:06:00.002-05:00

This weekend I read a book in which an interesting idea was introduced. A grandmother who was often asked by her granddaughter for rides instituted "the ride rule". She drove the girl under one condition: there was to be no radio, ipod, phone conversation, earphones, or texting during the ride. The girl agreed, and the two had become closer during the many trips they took together over the years. Perhaps it's a good idea for adults too!

Establishing a Breakfast Routine

2011-09-12T12:22:00.000-05:00

I know, I know.... middle schoolers tell parents every morning they are't hungry and don't want anything to eat. And perhaps they truly feel that way before heading off to school. Then as the morning progresses hunger pangs hit, and hit hard.

Since we are working on establishing beneficial routines let's address breakfast. If a student does not eat from dinner till lunch at 11:45/12:15, imagine how hungry they are. Sometimes intense hunger does not lead to the best food choices. How can this puzzle be solved?

Maybe there's not enough time to cook, or sit down to a meal. But (and this has worked for me) more often than not a PB and J, toasted English muffin, or fruit smoothie on the counter disappears. It's worth a try!

Last Friday's Dance-a-Thon was very well attended and fun! Congratulations to everyone who worked and made the evening a resounding success.

Establishing a Sleep Routine

2011-09-06T10:42:00.002-05:00

Last week this blog addressed the importance of establishing a regular homework routine at the start of the school year. Also essential for adolescent health and well-being is a regular sleep schedule. Step one is setting a school night bedtime that allows for a full night of sleep. Nine hours is recommended for middle schoolers. Turning off all electronics before bedtime, 30 minutes prior if at all possible, is conducive to readying the brain for rest. Good habits and established routines will lessen the "Just another half hour on the video game/computer/internet..." requests. Parental consistency will pay off for both the short and long term until self-management skills are established.

Don't forget the Dance-a-Thon this Friday night at Lakeview from 6-9! It is the social kick-off event of the year.

Establishing a Homework Routine

2011-08-30T08:19:00.002-05:00

The first full week of classes is a good time to sit down with your student and establish a homework schedule to successfully support achievement throughout the school year. Using the assignment notebook to complete daily assignments and plan long term projects is essential. Parents may wish to help set up a routine now, taking into consideration other extra-curricular/sport/family commitments. Time spent now will pay dividends all year.
Friday September 9th is the Dance-a-Thon where Lakeview comes together to celebrate the start of the school year. Save the date!

Welcome back!

2011-08-25T13:10:00.003-05:00

Today is a busy day here at Lakeview and the 2011-2 school year is off to an excellent beginning. Students were in their homebases a good part of the morning and then proceeded to classes. They appear well-organized and ready to return to the routine of learning and school. Lakeview Open House Night will be Monday, September 12, and the Lakeview staff looks forward to meeting you all. I will be in my office if you have a few minutes to stop by say hi.

WOW day

2011-06-03T12:23:00.002-05:00

Last night was Lakeview graduation, a beautiful celebration for the class of 2011. Today is WOW day. This morning the students met in interest groups of their choosing. I saw cake decorating, knitting, kites, music projects, soccer and video game design. There were so many more! Students will share what they learned/did with their homebases after lunch.
Wishing you a wonderful summer. See you in August!

Year End Activities

2011-05-26T15:24:00.003-05:00

As our year comes to a close, the activity level cranks up at Lakeview. We have a number of events in the upcoming days. The eighth grade takes a cruise on the Odyssey next Tuesday. Awards assembly and graduation follow Thursday. Friday, June 3rd is our first WOW day. June 6th is the annual sixth grade lip synch. Each homebase chooses a song to present, and the choice is top secret until the performance. Ask your child about these activities and share the fun.

Lakeview Career Fair

2011-05-20T10:15:00.002-05:00

This morning the seventh grade held its Career Fair. Presenters from a number of professions shared their expertise. Each student attended a number of sessions on different careers. The students were excited and inspired....thanks to the presenters!

Mother's Day

2011-05-06T14:58:00.002-05:00

This weekend we celebrate Mother's Day, each in our own way. I encourage our students that, yes, hand made, home made, hand written, and from the heart is what a mother cherishes most of all.

Wishing you a wonderful day with your mothers, children, and families.

May Flowers?

2011-04-28T14:43:00.002-05:00

Given the non-stop rain this April, we can look forward to beautiful blooms in May.

MAPs testing is finished for the year...we hope each student meets his/her improvement goal.

Finally, our musical groups are on their way to Tennessee to perform this weekend. We hope they have a wonderful time and sunny weather!

MAPS are coming!

2011-04-20T12:44:00.003-05:00

On Monday, April 25, Lakeview students will begin the third and final round of this year's MAPS testing. Results are used to monitor student progress, and it is imperative that each student give her/his best effort. Please confer with your child regarding performance goal setting.

Let us hope that the long weekend comes with good weather...time to get outside!

Penny War!

2011-04-15T07:51:00.002-05:00

The generosity of the Lakeview student body is demonstrated this week as the 6th, 7th, and 8th grades compete to raise money for the Red Cross and PPMD (Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy). So far the outcome it too close to call, but the ultimate winners will be these two worthy organizations.
Today is the midpoint of third trimester. Take the opportunity to check grades on Parent Connect. The most valuable and up-to-date information is found in the Gradebook section, where each assignment is broken down by point value/points earned.

Spring at Lakeview

2011-04-08T08:31:00.003-05:00

We are back from break and students look rested and happy. Everyone is busy as we head into the home stretch of the school year. After school activities are in full swing with sports teams on the field and the spring musical in rehearsal. This weekend is an opportunity for everyone to enjoy the outdoors and warmer weather. Taking a walk outside with your middle schooler is a good way to promote conversation about what is happening in his/her life. Whether you hike Waterfall Glen or circle the block, it will be time well spent and good exercise!

Spring Break

2011-03-24T13:09:00.002-05:00

Spring break begins at the close of school tomorrow. Students have been hard at work completing tests and projects. Spirits are high as the students look forward to relaxation and warmer weather. Enjoy the week....see you April 4!

High School Meetings

2011-03-09T13:59:00.002-06:00

This week I will be spending time in meetings at Downers Grove South. I look forward to this time of year. It is a pleasure to meet with the high school staff, hear about new programs/course offerings, and see former Lakeview students. If you are the parent of an eighth grader, now is the time to discuss all the opportunities available at DGS to plan for a successful freshman year.

ISAT Week

2011-03-03T08:37:00.002-06:00

It's been a very busy week here. In addition to ISAT testing each morning, report cards went home, third trimester encore classes are underway, and conferences will be tonight 5-8. Students will have a well deserved rest this weekend!
Please stop by and say hello tonight. I will be in my office and look forward to meeting with you.

ISAT week

2011-02-23T11:32:00.002-06:00

Next week is ISAT week at Lakeview. Parents are positioned to support ISAT achievement in several ways. Students will, of course, benefit from a good night's sleep and a nutritious breakfast. Have a discussion with your child this weekend noting that teachers have prepared their classes for ISATS and that they have the skills they need to do their best. If anyone feels a little nervous before beginning testing, it is a normal and expected reaction, similar to an athlete preparing to play in an important game. Encourage your student to do her/his best so the result will be an accurate reflection of individual ability and achievement.

Stress Management

2011-02-18T08:40:00.010-06:00

There are times during the school year when some students become "stressed out". The causes of stress are as individual as the students themselves. At such times, it is beneficial to problem solve. Problem definition is the first step toward problem resolution. Encourage your child to talk with you about his/her concerns. Some academic issues, such as projects and book reports, are alleviated by good use of time management. Although teachers provide students with timelines and goal setting, parental supervision imposes another level of accountability. Working together, parents and teachers can lessen stress and increase coping skills.

Pack the Place

2011-02-11T08:48:00.002-06:00

Spartan spirit is high this week as we "Pack the Place" for our basketball teams. So far we have had gold day, pattern day and crazy hair day with more to come next week. Events like these promote a sense of belonging and fun shared among the student body. Go Spartans!

Febrrrrruary!

2011-02-04T08:34:00.003-06:00

February is off to cold and snowy start! While we were at home the past two days shoveling and clearing driveways and sidewalks, a huge job was underway in our three District 66 schools. The transportation and custodial staff did a wonderful job clearing the parking lots, sidewalks,and walkway so everyone could get in and out of the buildings safely. We are all appreciative...kudos!

Lakeview Wind Ensemble performs at IMEA

2011-01-28T08:43:00.002-06:00

Following a long tradition of District 66 musical excellence, the Lakeview Junior High School wind ensemble has been chosen to perform at the 2011 Illinois Music Educators Association All-State Musical Conference at the Peoria Civic Center tomorrow, January 29th. Wind ensemble members look very excited this morning as they anticipate their trip. The students have dedicated many hours to developing the skills necessary to perform for the music educators of Illinois. Congratulations to them, and Mr. Tedeschi, Mr. Ohlsen, Music Boosters, parents, and District 66 administration who have supported and worked so hard. Enjoy your big day!

Tonight is Open Gym Night

2011-01-21T08:12:00.002-06:00

Tickets have been on sale this week for open gym night. There will be pizza served, basketball and games available, and a chance for students to get together with friends and have a good time. Hours are 6:30-8:30 PM. Hope to see a full house!

Midterm Grades

2011-01-14T15:01:00.004-06:00

Second trimester midterm grades were posted today. It is the official halfway point of the school year. Hopefully these grades reflect completed homework, class participation, and good project, test, and quiz grades. Questions? Ask your student or email/call the teacher for clarification. We are happy to work with you on concerns and questions.

Welcome 2011!

2011-01-05T09:39:00.003-06:00

Winter break is over and the new year has begun. Many students have made a resolution to participate in extra-curricular activities in 2011. Drama club and morning intramurals (basketball and hockey) begin in January. Membership in newspaper club and make a difference club are ongoing. You can find more details on the district website, in the Lakeview Junior High extra-curricular activities handbook.

Winter Break

2010-12-14T14:43:00.002-06:00

Holiday greetings to all! Hoping the upcoming weeks give you the opportunity to relax, celebrate, and spend time with family and friends. I have spoken to several students this week who have told me their resolutions for the upcoming year. The beauty of school is beginning the school year in August, then having the chance to "fine tune" January 1. See you in 2011!

Toy Drive Update

2010-12-07T14:53:00.005-06:00

The Lakeview toy drive, held from November 29 to December 2, significantly surpassed its goal! From day one, students and staff brought in a wide variety of toys, games, and books. The Darien Lions Club will distribute these to local families in need. Thanks to the Student Council and Make a Difference Club for sponsoring the toy drive.
We express our gratitude to students and parents for your kindness and generosity.

Conferences This Week

2010-12-01T12:50:00.002-06:00

Conferences will be held this Thursday night, December 2, from 5-8. If you have a scheduled meeting, please come with any questions. We look forward to meeting with you...see you Thursday!

Jessie White Tumblers at Lakeview

2010-11-23T10:07:00.003-06:00

The Jessie White Tumblers performed their amazing acrobatic feats this morning in the Lakeview gym. This appearance was a celebration of the 3.5 pounds of Spartan Stars earned by the student body in the first trimester. At the end of the performance a spokesman for the Tumblers answered ten questions. He told us there are several tumbling teams, and each can perform several times per day. We are grateful for the chance to see them.
Happy Thanksgiving!

Lakeview Toy Drive

2010-11-19T08:24:00.002-06:00

The Lakeview Student Council and Make a Difference Club are sponsoring a toy drive in partnership with the Lions Club. New, unwrapped books, toys, and games will be collected from November 29-December 2. Items in any price range are greatly appreciated and will be distributed through the Lions Club to local families in need. If you are out Christmas shopping please consider purchasing a gift for donation.

Mrs. Liles's Book Club

2010-11-10T08:16:00.002-06:00

Yesterday after school Mrs. Liles's Book Club, established in 2007, gathered to discuss The Glass Castle: A Memoir by Jeannette Walls. At the start of each trimester a book is chosen from a number of staff suggestions. Everyone at Lakeview is invited to participate. At trimester's close we meet to discuss the book, bringing our individual perspectives and reactions to the table. And yes, snacks are served (thank you Mrs. Liles!). Topics to date have included child, teen, family, education, autism, Tourette's, and technology issues. Typically twelve to twenty people take advantage of this opportunity for us to come together as lifelong learners. I look forward to our next book selection and meeting!

The Trimester is Coming to a Close

2010-11-03T12:33:00.003-05:00

The end of the trimester is close at hand. Take a few minutes to check parent connect for most current grades. If your child has any missing work, now is the time for a gentle reminder to make up missing assignments. Encourage you child to finish the trimester strong!

Teens and Texting

2010-10-28T10:36:00.002-05:00

I read an amazing statistic on CNN.com (October 15) which said the average teenager sends over 3000 texts per month. This number originated from a Nielsen study of 60,000 mobile subscribers and a survey of 3000 teenagers done in April, May, and June of this year. Broken down by sex, the numbers were as follows: teen males-2539 text average per month, teen females-4050 text average per month.
Dr. Claire McCarty , a primary care physician and medical director at Boston Children's Hospital (childrenshospitalblog.org) has a number of suggestions for parents regarding texting that are particularly applicable to school. Although texting is not allowed during school hours, many students may attempt to send/receive texts, which affects their level of attention to instruction. Teens who sleep with their phones close at hand may have their sleep interrupted by incoming texts. She adds that for some teens texting can become an addiction, interfering with daily life. Dr. McCarthy suggests that parents monitor the phone's bill and set reasonable limits for usage.

This Week's Conferences

2010-10-20T09:52:00.002-05:00

Lakeview conferences are Thursday night this week. It's an opportunity for teachers and parents to meet face-to-face and discuss student progress. Teachers come prepared to share information such as grades, test scores, class participation, work completion, and behavior. We value parental input. Do not hesitate to share your questions, concerns, and any information you feel is important to address your child's needs. See you Thursday!

Spartan Stars

2010-10-15T07:52:00.004-05:00

*Spartan Stars* is a new program at Lakeview that recognizes and highlights positive student behaviors. When a staff member notes a student doing something positive, the student is awarded a star with his/her name on it. Sixth grade stars are yellow, seventh grade green, and eighth grade white. Stars are gathered a large container on the counter in the lobby. Each Friday two *Spartan Stars* are drawn for each grade level. In addition to rewards, names are posted on a bulletin board in the lobby. When you come for conferences, take a moment to look at the container and the bulletin board. Congratulations all our *Spartan Stars*!

Interpersonal Skills Make Front Page News

2010-10-07T10:27:00.002-05:00

A front page article in the Chicago Tribune of October 6 highlights the benefits of teaching of social and emotional skills within the school day. At Lakeview and throughout District 66 we are committed to the development and demonstration of positive interpersonal skills. We began this year at Lakeview with a demonstration (via "cool tools") of expectations for classroom behavior. Our school wide expectation is "be respectful, be responsible, be safe". Within each "cool tool" are embedded a number of teaching examples that model respect for self and others. School is where we learn to navigate the world. How we get along with and treat others is as much a part of what we learn in school as academics.

Progress Reports

2010-09-30T14:40:00.002-05:00

Progress reports have gone out at the halfway point of first trimester. There is much more to a progress report than simply the letter grade. These reports are an indication of a student's current functioning. If your child is achieving at a level that is reasonable and acceptable given familial expectations, congratulate your son/daughter on a job well done! If grades do not meet expectations, take time to view parent connect and closely examine the work your child has completed.
Go to parent connect on the district website and log in. Click on gradebooks on the lower left hand side. Choose a class file from the list. Take a detailed look at the various components of the grade to understand the grade. Are there missing assignments? Low quiz scores? Low test scores? Extra credit left undone? Use the available information to formulate a plan.

Teens, Texting, and Emotional Growth

2010-09-27T08:04:00.002-05:00

When the bell signaling the end of the school day sounds, students everywhere hurry to lockers, busses, activities, and sports....and out come the cell phones! With phone in hand teens have parents and friends in close contact at all times. Students let their parents know where they are, what they're doing, and who they're with. Constant contact seems like a a good thing....but is it?
An article in the October 17,2010 issue of Family Circle discusses the research of Sherry Turkle, director of the Initiative on Technology and Self at MIT. She found that teens would rather text than talk. The lessening of face-to-face conversation and social interaction "prevents teens from learning to 'read' people and respond empathically. More important, with a phone in their pocket all the time kids are never really alone. The net result of constant connectivity is that many have a hard time making simple decisions or weathering minor setbacks without conferring with others, which over time can erode confidence in one's own coping skills.(p.70,72)" Ms. Turkle summarizes that the use of texting as a primary form of social interaction is negatively affecting teens' emotional growth.

Club Participation Strengthens Self-Image

2010-08-27T14:05:00.002-05:00

Welcome back! As we begin our year, be sure to check out the new Lakeview Junior High Extra-Curricular Handbook on the Lakeview webpage. It gives a thumbnail sketch of the clubs and sports offered before, during, and after school. A recent article in Social Work Today (July/August 2010) cites a study at Ohio State University that found "when children belong to a youth club, they gain a stronger sense of who they are as a person." It further suggested "even small improvements in self-concept go a long way in keeping children out of trouble." Use the handbook to plan ahead and become active in extracurriculars!

2010-05-18T08:42:00.004-05:00

Summer 2010

The end of the school year is quickly approaching. Summer is a season of relaxation and fun. It is also an opportunity for intellectual and personal growth. Now is the time for you and your child to rough out a plan for summer. There are many classes available (District 66 summer school, College of DuPage, local craft stores) to learn new skills. Trips to the library to borrow books, DVDs, and books on CD make an educational weekly family outing. Don't forget exercise as part of a healthy lifestyle. Hours spent outside walking, running, swimming, and playing either organized or neighborhood sports develop good fitness habits. Learning to cook and eat a nutritious diet is also a life skill. Downers Grove hosts a farmers' market every Saturday,another opportunity for family “together time”. Chores are also an essential element of growing up and learning independence. Encourage your child to grow intellectually, learn new skills, develop a healthy habits, and create a balanced lifestyle this summer.

Internet Use From Home

2010-04-12T14:36:00.003-05:00

On April 9th, Dr. Tiede emailed parents regarding a social networking website (www.formspring.me)that has come to our attention due to inappropriate usage by some students. We strongly urge parents to monitor all computer sites accessed from the home. The internet opens a world of possibility, but unfortunately not all influences are positive. Responsible, respectful behavior is a must on the internet as well as in everyday life.

Attention please!

2010-03-18T10:02:00.003-05:00

The ability to attend and focus is imperative to learning. Right now I am reading Rapt by Winifred Gallagher, a behavioral science writer. She postulates that life experience is not what “happens”, but those things to which time and energy are devoted. The author compares attention to money, a resource to be used wisely. We have only so much attention to give, as we have a limited amount of money at our disposal. Like adults, students are bombarded with commitments, distractions, and information competing for attention. We must encourage students to differentiate between the meaningful and the trivial, then coach them to prioritize and spend time, effort, attention, and energy in productive pursuits.

Fun at Lakeview

2010-02-17T10:20:00.002-06:00

There's always a lot going on at Lakeview. To see our month-at-a-glance, start at the district website. Go to calendars, then click on Lakeview. Participation in teams, clubs, and service organizations develops physical abilities, interpersonal skills, and friendships. There is something for every interest and plenty of time this school year to get involved. Take a look and encourage your student to try something new!

The Medium Sends Us A Message

2010-01-27T09:09:00.000-06:00

A January 20 article in the Chicago Tribune spotlighted a Kaiser Family Foundation study that reports “Young people now devote an average of 7 hours, 38 minutes to daily media use, or about 53 hours per week- more than a full-time job.” The hours were spent in a variety of ways: on computer, listening to music, watching television, playing video games, and using a cell phone. If multitasking is factored in, the number ballooned to 10 hours and 45 minutes per day. The research sample was made up of more than 2000 students nationwide, ages 8-18.

These numbers are staggering. They indicate that some students spend more time engaged with media than the length of a school day. These are hours NOT devoted to studying, doing homework, playing sports, developing hobbies, or in face-to face interaction with family and friends.

Perhaps in future years researchers will study the influence of excessive media use on social skills, family life, academic achievement, and even brain functioning. It would seem this study sends parents a message that a prudent course of action is setting appropriate limits and monitoring media usage. This would allow time for opportunities to develop life skills, fitness, and hobbies that are essential to the development of social and emotional well-being.

Parents, get connected!

2010-01-15T08:27:00.000-06:00

We are very fortunate at Lakeview to be able to provide the Parent Connect program. It is a tool that allows student, teacher, and parent to share information on individual academic progress and grades. Parents are issued a code that allows access to view grades at any time. This code may be shared with students as a way to take ownership and monitor grades and achievement.

Looking for a way to connect with your middle schooler this year? Consider a weekly check of grades on Parent Connect. Make a weekly “appointment” to sit down together and access grades in each subject. This can be the start of a regular dialogue on responsibility and planning.

Initially, this may be parent led, with parent showing student how to access grades in each individual subject. Take time to look at each report, noting any patterns. Is there missing work? High/low test or quiz grades? Take time to process the available information. Formulate a plan of action, if necessary. And always be ready with congratulations for a job well done!

The ultimate goal is an independent, responsible student who regularly checks his/her grades, keeps up to date with all assignments, makes up missing work, and keeps parent accurately apprised of grades so there are no “surprises”. Developing personal responsibility is an important part of the educational process. Parent Connect is a tool to assist in that goal.