Middle School Nov. Newsletter (21–22)
Hey there, Middle School!
As far as researchers and authors go, I’d say Brené Brown is pretty popular nowadays. I’ve heard, seen, and quietly whispered to myself one of her most well-known lines, “we can do hard things,” more times than I can count in this past year and half. I’m fairly certain I used it at the start of another newsletter, in fact. I’ve returned to this little phrase frequently because it both validates my feelings and affirms my ability to overcome whatever challenging circumstances I find myself in.
A few Fridays ago during homebase meetings, I told students I love ECS because it’s a place that values curiosity and strategic risk-taking. I told them some of my dearest friendships have been borne out of my collegial relationships. I also shared that most of all, my love for ECS stems from the opportunity it provides me to learn with hosts of talented young people like them.
It’s been a long time since our school community gathered together in any traditional sense of the word and what a privilege it’s been to welcome your children back to school this fall. I think we all expected there to be challenges. I also have to admit a part of me thought everyone would simply be happy to be back in the building! A bit naïve? Perhaps. After all, students have had disparate access to social interactions with peers, different routines and structures at home, different learning experiences, some are new to ECS, and so on. And on top of that, at minimum, we’re all grieving the loss of something, and I will not forget that some students and families are grieving the loss of someone dear.
I say all of this to situate us - you and me - in a historical place and time. What students and staff are being asked to do right now is unlike anything they have ever been asked to do before! As a community, we must lead with empathy and love and extend grace. We’ll need to come together to rebuild and spread kindness when and where we can. Ms. Micco and I, along with the rest of the ECS Staff, are committed to our Middle School community, and we are so grateful for you.
Below is information about how you can continue to support your student(s) and our community overall.
Practice productive conflict resolution. Building up our conflict resolution tool belts ahead of time can help us make better decisions in the moment. To help at school, we can facilitate peer mediations and even role play a conversation with a classmate before it takes place. An important question for students to consider is, “who is/are your trusted adults at school?” Our goal is for every student to be able to confidently answer this question. If they can’t, let us know! We have work to do.
Explore friendship. Middle school is a critical time developmentally. More and more, they are turning to friends for validation and support. Discussing how to be a good friend and how to choose one can go a long way.
Identify healthy ways to manage stress and big emotions. Ask your student, “what does it feel like when you get frustrated?” “What are some things you can do to feel better?” Some helpful suggestions might be taking deep breaths, exercising, journaling, spending time outside, listening to music, talking with a friend or trusted adult, and the use of positive affirmations.
Cell Phones & Social Media
Help us minimize distractions during the school day. If your child doesn’t need to bring their cell phone to school, we ask that you strongly consider having them leave it at home. If you need to get in touch with your student while they’re at school, please call the main office. We are happy to pass along a message or arrange a time for you to speak by phone.
Continue to talk with your student about responsible online behavior: Social media and group chats can be fun ways to stay connected, but they can also be sources of inappropriate content or encouragement of behavior we wouldn’t typically demonstrate in person. Talking to your students regularly about responsible online behavior is invaluable. Common Sense Media’s “Parents Need to Know” page is a great resource for information on the latest trends, how to use parental controls, screen time recommendations, and more.
Until Next Time,
Jaleah
What's new at Middle School?
This week, we kicked off our KINDNESS CHALLENGE! Ask your kids about how they’re flexing their kindness muscles at school and at home!
Virtual office hours with Dr. Robinson and Ms. Micco take place every other Thursday from 6-7. The next session will take place on November 11th. The link to join can be found on the
ECS is excited to be partnering with The University of Pittsburgh's School of Social Work to offer their Parenting While Black program. This program provides parents with tools to both support their children’s healthy development and their own wellness. The PWB program has three goals: (1) Proactively encourage positive racial identity in Black teenagers (2) Enhance parents’ ability to cope with structural and interpersonal discrimination in a supportive group dynamic (3) One-on-one coaching of both parents and teens in ways to respond to oppressive school situations, a central goal of Black parenting. The program expects to begin in late January. If you are interested and would like more information, please email MS social worker Vanessa Veltre at vanessa.veltre@ecspgh.org.
In Case You Missed It
Quarter 1 report cards are available in Alma today!
Important Dates this Month
11/10 Java with Jon and James
11/12 Half day for students/Parent Conferences
11/16 PCO Meeting
11/17 Board Meeting
11/24 Half day
11/25-11/29 Thanksgiving Break