Mrs. Law's Lexington Junior High Blog

Underage Drinking: How Can You Help? Research shows that parents are the leading influence on their child’s decisions about alcohol. Although it may not seem like it, when parents talk about underage drinking, their children do hear them. Around 9, children begin thinking alcohol may not be just for adults. By 15, many young people are drinking. Young people who start drinking before age 15 are five times more likely to develop alcohol problems as adults than those who begin drinking at 21 or older. The “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign aims to: 1. Increase parents’ awareness of the prevalence and risk of underage drinking 2. Equip parents with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to prevent underage drinking 3. Increase parents’ actions to prevent underage drinking Here are some links you may find helpful: YouTube Videos! https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLBXgZMI_zqfTBdPhFWRi7UajR4WTztWLM More info about the campaign! http://www.samhsa.gov/underagedrinking Th

Want to help your students explore opportunities for a successful future? From 7:00 to 9:00 PM on Tuesday,  November 15, 2016 ,  Defiance Senior High School  is hosting the twelfth annual  Engineering Evening . Students, parents, professionals, and the general public from the entire Northwest Ohio region (and beyond) are welcome to attend. Event URL:  http://web.defiancecityschools.org/users/manz/weblog/d6ef0/Engineering__Your_Future.html The sponsoring professional engineers society chose the  guest speaker .  Anne Zweibel , a structural engineer with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Columbia University, works for Hardesty & Hanover. Her topic is “ Notes from a Career in Bridge Design ." There will also be  engineering/technology professionals  from various specialties to discuss their areas of expertise. Further, college representatives  of engineering/technology training programs will also be in attendance. Expect a  question and answer period  to directly

Ohio Means Jobs The Ohio Means Jobs website features a student section to engage students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade to start thinking about their careers. If you go to the Ohio Means Jobs website you can take a guided tour on the site.  Every student at Lexington Junior High creates an account. This account remains active even after graduation, so they can save information and refer back to it in one place in the future. (There is even an adult version!) For example, if your student completes career interest inventories or other assessments, the information is all saved in the “backpack” on the site.  All of the information on the site is saved. So if you started using the site when you were in elementary or middle school it will still be there for you to access and reference when you are in high school. There are cool features on the site including the opportunity to create a budget including rent or house payment, grocery costs and utilities.  The site also h

SLEEP Did you enjoy the extra hour of sleep?  I definitely did... while I don't love how early it gets dark outside, I always like being able to have the benefit of the extra hour of sleep on the night of the time change.  The reality is I know that I am not the only one who needs more sleep.  "I'm so tired!"  It is a statement that I hear over and over again each day.  Often, I share the exact same feeling and the reality is that sleep is one of the best things we can do for ourselves and yet it is also something we frequently push aside. The research about the importance of teen's getting sleep has frequently been touted and yet, as I talk to you, it is shocking for me to realize how little sleep many of you are getting.  Lack of sleep is not only exhausting, but it decreases your immune system, makes it more difficult to regulate your emotions, and can mimic the signs of ADHD.   I wish it was as easy as saying you need to go to bed earlier, but for many

The end is near! Are you happy with your current grades? Now would be a great time to make sure you are: Completing your math corrections! Completing your ALEKS, Bellringers, Effort Points, Artsy Questions, etc. STUDY for your tests and quizzes! Ask your teachers if you are able to turn in anything that is missing. If extra credit is offered, DO IT!

October 25th Early Release! October 27th, 2:30-3:15 Girl Talk Halloween Party All Junior High girls are welcome! Girl talk is a mentoring group that meets every Thursday in the Music room. High school girls lead the group in activities and discussion. It is open to all JH girls. Stop by and check us out! October 28th, 2:30-4:00 pm Halloween Dance Wear your best costume, enjoy food, games and dancing! This is the first dance of the year (and my personal favorite:) You do not want to miss it! Tickets are available at lunch. November 4th, 7:00 pm I recently learned about a wonderful event taking place with some of our very own students! Performance art fashion show depicting the story & journey of a human trafficking survivor. Come out for a great cause and get to see some Lexington students in the spotlight! Tickets available at www.unchainedsharedhope.eventbrite.com November 11th End of the 2nd Six Week Grading Period! Are you happy with you current grades?

Only 5 Days Until Parenting From Your Heart—Register Today!   It’s really hard when our children are anxious, irritable, or disengaged. As parents, we all feel lost at times. This workshop will help provide options and support.   Call to register now  at 614-751-5393.   Watch presenter Norman Shub as he talks about the workshop on our   YouTube Channel      This workshop will be held on  Tuesdays, October 18, 25 and November 1, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Attendees will learn something new during each session of this three-part workshop. The cost includes all three days (see fees below).   This  workshop is presented by  Norman Shub, LPCC-S, LISW-S, BCD, Clinical Director alongside child therapist Margie Mapes LISW-S, RPT-S, who brings the “voice of the child” alive to provide the child’s perspective.   More information online  at  https://gestaltassoc.com/workshops/parenting-from-your-heart The Gestalt Institute of Central Ohio & Gestalt Associates  have be

Want to help your students explore opportunities for a successful future? From 7:00 to 9:00 PM on Tuesday,  November 15, 2016 ,  Defiance Senior High School  is hosting the twelfth annual  Engineering Evening . Students, parents, professionals, and the general public from the entire Northwest Ohio region (and beyond) are welcome to attend. Event URL:  http://web.defiancecityschools.org/users/manz/weblog/d6ef0/Engineering__Your_Future.html The sponsoring professional engineers society chose the  guest speaker .  Anne Zweibel , a structural engineer with bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Columbia University, works for Hardesty & Hanover. Her topic is “ Notes from a Career in Bridge Design ." There will also be  engineering/technology professionals  from various specialties to discuss their areas of expertise. Further, college representatives  of engineering/technology training programs will also be in attendance. Expect a  question and answer period  to directly

Careers Junior High is a great time to start exploring interests and learning about different careers. We will do a lot of activities with the students over these two years to explore different options available to them. Here are a couple of resources to get you started thinking about these things! www.bestcolleges.com This website has a lot of great resources on careers and different educational paths. www.ohiomeansjobs.com This is the website the students will become familiar with. It is FULL of real-world information! Have fun exploring!

It has been awhile since my last post! Like many of you, I have been scrambling to get this year off to a great start! I hope everyone is settling in to a nice homework and study routine. Here are some important dates coming up this month: THIS Friday, September 30th is the last day of the first grading period!  If you are like me, this totally snuck up on you. A six week grading period goes SO FAST! This is one of the significant differences between elementary and junior high. It is important to build a good foundation for your grade in the first couple of weeks. If not, you spend the entire 6 weeks trying to bring your grades up. Students: make sure you are turning in ALL of your work - even if it is not completely finished. Half-credit is SO much better than a zero! And don't forget to do your math corrections! These can raise your math grade by an entire letter grade, or more. Parents: Grade cards will be sent home with students about a week after the end of the grad

If you have been following this blog for a while now, you may remember me raving about Norman Shub at the Gestalt Institute. I have heard Norman speak and attended his workshops at multiple conferences. He is a wonderful resource, and located in Columbus! I just received information about a parenting workshop coming up. I would encourage everyone to take a look at this! He is excellent and you will not regret it. Here is the information! Parenting From Your Heart Workshop Come and Learn How to Be the Best Parent You Can Be   Building successful families and being a great parent takes more than just learning intellectual concepts and ideas. In Parenting From Your Heart, you will deepen your abilities as a parent through experiential learning, sharing and exploring how to apply and integrate skills into your parenting and family life. Our next workshop will be held on Tuesdays, October 18, 25 and November 1, from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Attendees will learn something new during eac

WELCOME!!!! Today is the first day of school! It was so nice to get to see everyone! The building has once again come to life! Lockers are a struggle for many students. Keep practicing! 99% of the time the locker is fine. It may take a few days to "learn your locker". Just like an old friend, it has quirks and oddities that take some getting used to:) This week is the perfect time to practice your locker. Tardies will not be counted until next week. This is also the time to figure out a routine that works for you. You will not have time to go to your locker or the restroom between every class. A routine will help you stay organized and less stressed. I hope everyone has a fabulous first day!

LOCKERS & SCHEDULES! Tomorrow is the first schedule pick up day and, if past years are any indication, it will be a hectic and fast-paced day in the main office.   Lockers:  If you are having trouble with a locker, staff will be present in the building to help. If a locker needs fixed/adjusted, please fill out the locker slip available in the main office. We will look at these throughout the day and fix them. You do NOT have to wait to see someone. Once the locker is fixed we will put your original locker slip in the "Fixed Lockers" tray in the main office.  Schedules: If something is wrong on your schedule, you will have to fill out a schedule change request form.  You do NOT have to wait to see me - if I am able to make the adjustment, I will make it and you can pick up your revised schedule anytime between now and the first day of school.   Remember, as in the past, you will need your parent's signature indicating that they authorize the change.  I ha

I'm Back! I hope everyone has been enjoying their summer! I spent my summer working, traveling, reading, and spending as much time as possible with family and friends. With school just around the corner, I have been thinking about the unique nature of middle school. It is a weird and wonderful time, that can become difficult to navigate. Below is a link to a wonderful article discussing the importance of resiliency, grit, and failure. Failure can be a scary word, and many junior high students will tell you they have a fear of failure. In reality, failure is an important part of life! I hope you enjoy the read as much as I did! F is For Failure: Helping Kids Develop Grit and Courage

Summer has finally arrived... for me! Today is my last day until August. I would like to leave you with a few things. 1. Summer is a time to rejuvenate and refresh! What does that mean for you? For me, it means keeping busy and getting as much vitamin D as I possibly can:) Parents and students: here are a couple of things to keep in mind for those rainy days. High School Math Packet: If you are signed up for Algebra I or Enriched Geometry there is a math packet that needs to be completed over the summer. You can find it here:  http://www.lexington.k12.oh.us/index.php/hstudent-resources/math-summer-review Library Summer Reading Program: During the last week of school, our English classes took a walk to the Lexington Library. The students learned about all of the different resources available and signed up for the summer reading program. Any student that completes the summer reading program, and brings their certificate in at the start of school, will earn 10 extra credit poi

SPORTS!    One of the great things about Junior High is the ability to join a school sport! Junior High is the first chance students have to do this and it is an opportunity that should not be missed! What are you interested in? We have A LOT of things to choose from! Fall Sports:                 Winter Sports:          Spring Sports: Football                       Swimming                Track Volleyball                     Wrestling Cross Country             Basketball Cheer                         Cheer PHYSICALS! Free physicals available at MedCentral on 4th street! Boys: May 24th, 5-630 pm Girls: May 31st, 5-630 pm Forms available in the office! SUMMER! Stay active this summer! Join a club sport!  Baseball, softball, soccer, swimming, summer running club, tennis, jujitsu, dance, etc. These are all great ways to stay active and healthy! INFORMATION! Be sure to keep an eye on the school webpage. Information on important dates and a

Procrastination Procrastination doesn’t mean you are lazy or incapable, but it does often result in increased stress levels. If you have been fighting procrastination, there are no quick fixes and, as with most things in life, what works for one person will not necessarily work for someone else so it is important to find a strategy that will work effectively for you. I doubt that any of these suggestions will be ideas that you have never heard of before, but it comes down to deciding that you want to try to make a change. So, reward yourself for progress made because it does take time to improve. Some ideas to help combat procrastination: •Plan ahead. •Break your big projects, assignments, or responsibilities down into smaller, more manageable tasks. •Commit to spending at least 15 minutes working on something that you have been avoiding. •Remind yourself that there is not going to be a better time – not tomorrow, not next weekend, and not

Social Media Articles Social Media continues to be an issue for many of our students.  It can have implications far beyond the present day and so it is a common topic for many articles: 3 points to discuss with teens about anonymous messaging The 12 apps every parent of a teen should know about Lots more college admissions officers are checking your Instagram and Facebook Boost college applications with a positive online presence To the well-intentioned but ignorant parents of teenagers Teens are using secret hashtags to share dangerous habits What do college admissions officers look for on Facebook pages? Teens and technology use Cyberbullying risk is much higher for young women and moderate internet users Does social media affect college admissions, how to prepare your profiles Study: college application process gets social College admissions: using social media during admissions process Why many kids are leaving

Internet Safety On April 26th, Buckeye Central is hosting an internet safety event. This is a wonderful opportunity to get caught up with today's social media and technology. Internet safety is a topic relevant to all parents of K-college children! Jesse Weinberger is a nationally recognized Internet Safety presenter, TEDx speaker, and author. After listening to Jesse at another event, the staff at Buckeye Central were so impressed that they found a way to bring her to their community as well! And they invited us! This is a FREE, adult only presentation.  Babysitting will be provided by the Buckeye Central National Honor Society.  A concession stand will also be available. Please feel free to share this with your co-workers, family, and friends!  It WILL be worth your time! Click the link below for more details! CLICK HERE!

Testing Tips!  We had a wonderful speaker a couple of weeks ago. His name is Bruce Boguski and he taught us all kinds of weird and fun tips on how to perform better! I would love to share some of his wonderful advice! Scent! Some scents are shown to help us perform better in specific areas. You can use this while studying, during class, and during exams! English/Language - LEMON! Burn a lemon scented candle while studying and eat lemon candy during class or the exam. Math/Science - PEPPERMINT! Not only is peppermint helpful during math/science, it also makes us alert and gives us energy. Feeling a little sluggish? Eat a peppermint! Before the test! It is important to get yourself in the right state of mind before taking a test or entering a stressful situation. Here are some things you can do that might help. Take a deep breath. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Your stomach should expand! Stretch. You can discreetly stretch calf muscles before and during an

Pennies for Pasta Every year Lexington Junior High participates in an amazing fundraiser through the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. It is called Pennies for Patients . However, at Lexington Junior High, it is fondly referred to as “Pennies for Pasta”! This is an opportunity for Lexington students and families to make a real difference in the lives of others. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. They exist to find cures and ensure access to treatments for blood cancer patients.  LLS funds research to advance breakthrough therapies for blood cancer patients. Since 1954, LLS has awarded more than $1 billion in research grants. Last year, LLS invested nearly $79.8 million in blood cancer research. Thanks to LLS-funded research and the fundraising efforts of programs like Pennies for Patients, survival rates for some blood cancer

Opportunity For Families Norman Shub is a phenomenal speaker who I have had the pleasure of learning from many times. He is a frequent speaker at the All Ohio Counselor's Conference and is usually standing room only! Below is a great opportunity for all families ! I highly recommend this! Parenting From Your Heart : Building Successful Families Tuesdays, April 5, 12, & 19, 2016, 7:00-8:30 p.m. At the Gestalt Institute of Central Ohio, 100 Outerbelt St., Columbus OH 43213   In  Parenting From Your Heart , you will learn the parenting skills needed to help your children be successful and your family grow. Each session gives you the opportunity to learn the concepts, see them demonstrated, listen to others and integrate these approaches into your parenting and family life. Child therapist, Margie Mapes presents “The Voice of the Child”, and will portray what a child feels by sharing from the child’s perspective, responses to issues, questions, problems, situations

SUMMER OPPORTUNITY! MEDCAMP  provides a unique opportunity for those students who are between their 8 th  grade and freshman year in high school to spend two-and-a-half days at Northeast Ohio Medical University.  Selected students will be working with practicing physicians, professors of microbiology, anatomy, neurobiology, physiology, and pharmacy as well as students of medicine and pharmacy.  They learn how a physician talks with a patient, how to study the clues to a patient’s illness and how to solve the case by using critical thinking skills in addition to modern laboratory techniques.    Evenings  are used for group activities and study sessions. Library research is required for the students to prepare their diagnosis and report of the “patient.”   Meals  are provided for the students while at NEOMED. Accompanied by chaperones from NEOMED, students are transported by bus to a Kent State University residence hall for overnight accommodations.   First consideration is give