Middle School The Myths and The Magic

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Middle School The Myths and The Magic!

• Katy Cavanagh
• Executive Director, Middle Schools
• Excelling Teaching and Learning

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Agenda

• Lets talk about Middle School!
• Tales from one whos been there
• Its a unique time 11 to 14 yr olds
• Facts about the middle schoolers brain
• Middle School Learning Criteria
• Ways you can learn more and be prepared

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Middle School Why are we here today?

• A big transition is on the horizon
• For students
• For parents
• Are you a 1st timer or an old pro?
• Seasoned pros adopt a 1st timer
• Well get through this phase together!
• There are
• myths vs. real concerns
• facts and learnings
• critical, complex choices
• the magic that can be the Middle School Years!

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The Most Important MS Question

• Do I have to take a shower after PE?
• Answer No, middle schoolers do not have to
  take showers in PE. 

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Tales from One Whos Been There

• My background - my perspective
• Mother
• Teacher
• Assistant Principal
• Principal
• Administrator
• Grandmother
• (one grandchild - a future SUSD student!)

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• "No other age level is of more importance to the
  future of individuals, and, literally, to that of
  society because these are the years when
  youngsters crystallize their beliefs about
  themselves and firm up their self-concepts, their
  philosophies of life and their values - the
  things that are the ultimate determinants of
  their behaviors."
• Understanding and Appreciating the Wonder
  YearsJohn H. Lounsbury

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Its a unique time - 11 to 14 yr olds

• Its not about middle school
• Its about the middle school age child
• Growing up fast!
• Lots of changes physically, mentally,
  emotionally, socially
• Shift from parent focus to peer focus
• Friendship and friends opinions - 1
• There is major drama in their world!

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The Middle School Brain

• The frontal cortex is not fully installed
• The amygdala is over active
• Result more drama and
• less rationale thinking.

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Facts about the middle school brain

• The brain is a work in progress
• Lots of very complex changes going on
• Brain development and growth continues through
  the teen years
• Translation
• Social skills arent as developed as they appear
• Emotions overrule rational thinking
• Reflective thinking, impulsive reactions

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Middle School Learning Criteria

• The move from elementary to middle school
• Choose a MS that offers the programs and support
  required for this important phase of life and
  critical learning
• MS Criteria
• Academically excellent
• Developmentally responsive
• Socially equitable
• Highly qualified teachers and administration
• Skills
• Content
• Knowledge
• Experience

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Scottsdale Unified School District

• Middle Schools
• Key contact Katy Cavanagh
• 480-484-6272
• Email kcavanagh_at_susd.org
• District Technology Plan Approved
• Revitalization of SUSD High Schools
• See the Continuous Improvement of Middle
  Schools on the web site
• District web site www.susd.org

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Suggested Reading

• Books for parents of adolescents
• Magic Trees of the Mind by Marian Diamond has a
  great section on the middle school brain.
• Great books for parents of middle schoolers are
  listed on this link
• http//store.nmsa.org/index.asp?PageActionVIEWCAT
  SCategory215
• A Family Connection Newsletter link with numerous
  timely and meaningful topics
• http//www.nmsa.org/Publications/TheFamilyConnecti
  on/tabid/208/Default.aspx
• National Middle School Association
• www.nmsa.org