Have a general question you want to ask and have answered? Email your guidance counselor and we will post your question on this page and give you an answer too! Questions will be posted at the discretion of the guidance couselors.

Q: I'm nervous about starting school as a 6^th grader. Can you help me?

A: Making the jump from elementary school to middle school can be scary at first, and you probably have lots of questions you want answered. Going on the Selden Website is a great way to start. Your parents and older siblings have been through it before, so they can help you a lot. Here are some questions to help you talk about it and get some valuable insight.

• How will I find time to get all my homework and studying done?
• What kinds of new responsibilities will I have now that I'm in middle school?
• Will teachers expect a lot more out of students now?
• Can I get involved with school teams and clubs, even if it means staying at school longer?
• Will gym class be tougher in middle school?
• Will there be time to have fun with my friends?
• Will there be chances to make new friends?
• Who should I talk to at school if I'm having a problem with something?

Remember:

• Work with your parents to set up new rules and guidelines to help you deal with your new school situation.
• Be honest about what makes you anxious or nervous about starting middle school. Your folks may have advice that can help you cope.
• If you have older brothers or sisters, they can put many of your fears to rest, and let you in on how fun and exciting starting middle school can be!

Q: Do 6^th graders they change classes or stay in one room for the day?

A: 6^th graders stay within the team of several teachers for their core classes. They move about the building for their encore courses such as art, gym, music, lunch and health. This will help them to get use to middle school as well as get them prepared for future grades.

Q: I want to buy a locker shelf for my student. What are the measurements?

A:Depth - 13 1/4 inches 
Width - 14 1/2 inches
Height - 32 inches

Q: How do I get in touch with a coach and a teacher of my student?

A: The website is linked with some phone numbers and emails but the best way is to call your child's level office.

Q: My son has a concern with his best friend and does not know how to talk to him about it. What can I do to help him?

A: Many student have problems with confrontation. Encourage your son to talk face to face with his friend about what is bothering him. Make sure no other friends are involved to muddy up the situation. Remind him to keep his voice calm and his concerns factual so as to stick with the main feelings. Help your son to say "What can we do from here to fix the situation?" Ownership of the problem should be with both boys. Agree on a plan of action and shake hands on it. That will loosen any existing tension left. This process has worked well for us in the past. Contact your counselor for more strategies on how to communicate with your angry friend.

Q: My daughter is in 7^th grade and her lunch is 8th period. Can she switch to an earlier lunch?

A: The answer unfortunately is no. We have so many children that need to have lunch that there will be many getting the 8^th period lunch slot. Even though they eat at 1:00 pm, we recommend they eat a hearty breakfast. We encourage healthy portable snacks they can bring from home such as string cheese, carrots, granola bars, crackers that will give children extra energy if they have to wait for lunchtime. We discourage soda and water bottles in school. There is no food permitted in the classrooms.

Q: My student did not do well on his last test. What can I do at home to help him score better?

A: Sometimes students know what to do to improve their grades but need a little guiding. Here are some easy study/test taking strategies that work well.

1. Get a good night’s sleep (eight hours) the night before a test.
2. Eat breakfast and lunch before the test.
3. Listen to and read directions carefully.
4. Read the question completely before answering.
5. Start the test immediately…don’t waste time.
6. Answer the questions you know first (the ones you can answer quickly.) Circle the questions you don’t know and answer them last. 
7. Don’t distract yourself or others from the test.
8. Notice how much time you have left and use all the time. Don’t rush to be the first one to finish.
9. If you have time left, go back and check your answers. Do not change an answer unless you are sure it is wrong.
10. Only ask the test monitor person/teacher a question that he/she is permitted to answer.
11. Move around and stretch in your seat when you have a chance to keep your brain working and the tension down.
12. Usually on True/False statements with words like “never”, “always”, “every”, “none”, “all”, or “none” are false.
13. On multiple choice only one answer is right. Narrow your choices by eliminating what is wrong. If you have to guess, eliminate the smallest and largest number answers. Usually, the choice of “all of the above” is correct.
14. Don’t wait until the night before the test to study. Study for the test each night for a week by reviewing the material and testing yourself.

Utilizing the online homework help at the Middle Country Public Library is useful as well. The tutors are available from 3-11 pm daily. Homework Club has been sponsored for several years.