Economic Issues and How They Affect Young Adolescents

Family budgets, school budgets, state budgets... Everyday we hear news about the current economic situation in our local communities. Most of us know someone who has been personally affected by the economic downturn. Despite appearances, young adolescents are highly aware of their surroundings. They watch the news on TV, check out the Internet, and they listen to the conversations of the adults around them. So, how are they reacting, and what support do they need?
I recently read a great article published by the National Middle School Association which offered some advice about how to help young adolescents cope with economic problems:

1. Be honest with adolescents. Make sure they know the facts. Share possible scenarios and discuss various solutions.

2. Set aside time to talk about economic issues. Listen and do not judge their emotions or take their reactions personally.

3. Invite adolescents to take part in family budget discussions and seek their input.

4. Encourage students to do good deeds for others. Schools can help with outreach projects and related events. There are teachable moments in every situation!

5. Above all, reassure young adolescents that you are there to support them.

Now is the time for parents and educators to talk to young adolescents about what is happening in our world!

For more information on our own school budget, please check out Mr. Peterson's principal's blog

Homeroom Raises $$ for Foodshelf

Wow! Continuing in their already established tradition of charitable giving, Tom Fish's homeroom recently raised hundreds of dollars for the St. Peter Area Foodshelf. The group of 8th graders hosted a dance for 6th, 7th, and 8th graders on February 27th. The dance brought in a total of $512.30. Due to matching funds, the 8th graders' contributions totalled $1,024.60! In November this amazing group of students donated $250.00 to the food shelf just in time to help with their Thanksgiving needs. We're proud of our young people who continue to do good things for others!

Reading Program a HUGE success

For the past 10 years, our media center has sponsored a reading incentive program. This year's program is turning out to be the biggest and best yet! At least 1/3 of all middle school students met the criteria for end-of-the-quarter recognition. 46 middle school students read 1,250 pages or more during the 1st semester of the school year. I will get back to you on Monday with the grand total of pages read by our students. Way to go!

Hey! I'd love to hear what our students are reading! Please send back your comments about good books that you've read this year.

Welcome to the the official blog of St. Peter Middle School!

Welcome! I hope this blog will be a great way to communicate about all the great things that are happening in the halls and classrooms of St. Peter Middle School. As I write, we are one week into the 2nd semester. Those 7th graders who were just hoping to remember their locker combinations in September, feel like old pros now! On Monday evening our 8th graders and their parents met in the theater for 9th grade orientation. While January may seem to drag on and on, the school year keeps flying by.

Please check back soon. I'll keep you posted on Snow Week activities for our middle schoolers. Rumor has it that the middle school student council and their advisor, Mrs. Doose, have been working on fun plans.