ETMS DRESS CODE
With warmer weather comes less clothing! Please be reminded that the following is not permitted:
Short shorts
Bare midriff
See-through clothing
Flip flops or sneakers without laces
Revealing tops
T shirts with inappropriate language or pictures
Let Them Grow!
Welcome to 2012-2013
From Dr. Laura Palka, Principal
Thank you all for a fabulous beginning to our 2012-2013 school year! Our students have already proven to be enthusiastic, energetic and anxious to learn. Please remember that in the start of every school year, we make adjustments to schedules, however team changes are very unlikely to happen. Your child will make new friends, rekindle former friendships, perhaps heal past relationships and take important steps in adapting to new situations and challenges.
As a parent, when our child cries or whines, our natural tendancy is to want to make everything "better" by jumping in, however, sometimes too quickly. In reality, we may fix the immediate percieved crisis but in doing so, we miss those crucial opportunities to allow for real maturity. Our role is to guide our children as they grow, not fight every battle. We want to help our children learn to prioritize, advocate, cope and become couragious. Middle school years are filled with drama and excitement. Our reactions can either aid in making these some of the best years for your child or some of the most difficult.
Start and end every day with positive family sharing. Do not rush to hear the "bad news". Do not promote the drama. Do not speak negatively about teachers, other children or their families as you are adding fuel to the fire and not helping your child. You are allowing yourself to be part of the systemic problem (bullying or creating a victim). More often than not, if you just empathetically listen to your child and allow him or her time to express what is upsetting, your child will actully figure out how to remedy the situation without any further help... and really, isn't that what we hope to have happen?
To become well-adjusted adults, we had to learn, through experience, to look at any given situation and determine a course of action, knowing all action results in consequences. Yes, middle school can be difficult on parents. We have to gradually release our children and recognize that they make decisions- right or wrong- without us. They have to learn the variables of consequences. When they make a poor choice or feel anxious- they turn to home for help (as it should be). Teach your child and the entire family the 24 hour rule....no decision- no reactions for 24 hours....and to a middle schooler....24 hours is a whole lifetime away!
Looking forward to a wonderful, fun-filled year together!
A Message Regarding Bullying
