Trees, Wind, and Junior High

I don't know if you saw the article in the paper last week regarding the wind we were having and trees.  It struck a cord with me, and prompted some thoughts.  The article was in some sort of gardening section that I typically don't read, but there was some sort of a snappy title that caught my attention, I don't know what it was now...I guess it wasn't that snappy!  Anyway, the lady was sharing that it is fine to tie up little trees to poles and stakes when they are young because it helps them to grow.  But, once they get bigger they should be untied and allowed to "blow in the wind."  This will help them to increase flexibility and grow strong roots.  If they are tied to tightly to the stakes and poles, when they reach maturity they will be weak and brittle.  Any little wind will snap or uproot them.  Mmmmh.  Immediately, my mind went to junior high-that is usually where my mind goes.  How similar to these young people we have here at school and you have in your home.  Now is the time to let them get blown around a bit by life and its circumstances.  Now is the time for them to learn from mistakes and figure out how to deal with issues and pressures they will no doubt continue to encounter as adults.  Tied too tightly to you and they will never fully develop.  When real life happens, maybe high school, maybe college, maybe marriage they snap or are uprooted.  Let them blow a bit.  Let God speak to them.  Keep them secure, watch over them, but let them feel talk and work through solutions and situations.  Guide them without telling them.  Pray with them without preaching at them.  They will be trees of righteousness, strong and stable.  That is really what we want for each one.

Expectations

As I have mentioned before, now is the time to set up some expectations for this year.  Verbalize and possibly even write out your expectations as your student moves into the new frontier of "junior high school."  Here are a few ideas about what to talk about and what we typically recommend at school:

Spending the night at a friend's house-not recommended on a school night 

Parties with boys and girls-parental supervision is a must

Grades-a minimum of 2.0, most students that do their homework and spend time studying will earn A-B work

Homework/Study time-set apart a time and place that is w/o distraction and consistent about an hour or hour and half is typical unless you procrastinate :)

Sports Teams-try out for those sports that you are interested in and see what happens

Service Hours-go on a trip with the jh ministry team, don't wait until the last minute

Tardies to class-tardies are bad! ;-)

Boy/Girl relationships-not necessary, don't encourage, put Jesus first in all your friendships, don't hang all over, front hug, hold hands etc.  hormones take them places their heads can't handle, it is not uncommon for them to "like each other" so talk about what is ok and not ok. forbidding them to like someone can bring out "Romeo and Juliet" flashbacks, "break ups" are usually pretty emotional and very hard socially.

Losing items-make them foot the bill to replace things and it will become more important

Number of Disc. Points-under 10 points in a semester is fine, under 5 points gets free dress during finals!

Consequences- take responsibility for your failures and mistakes, but it is what you do after that counts, make changes and never give up.  

Sit down and take some time to talk about these and other topics and find out what you think and what your student thinks.  You may be surprised with what happens.  

Set some positive goals for the year too.  I often ask the students to set goals and share them with me.  If you know where you are going your are more likely to get there!

Defibrillators in the News

I don't know if you saw the article in the Register this morning about defibrillators.  The article talked about an 11 year old boy that was saved using a defibrillator at a community gymnasium.  We trained our staff last year in the use of a defibrillator and have three on campus.  It is not something we talk about very often to the parents, but it is something we talk about as a school.  We are always concerned with the safety of our students and staff, and we are always looking ways to improve what we do.  Just thought you would like to know.

Parents: Are actions really louder than words?

Sometimes we think that our kids know we love them because we feed them, clothe them, and pay for their cell phone.  However, our kids need to hear us say things.  Don't assume they know.  Assuming is never good with a junior higher.  Say it and make it plain.  Here are a few things you may think or feel, but really need to say: "I love you-I am proud of you-That was a good choice-I really like listening to you-You are really good at that-You look handsome/beautiful."  I know we think it, let's let them know it by saying it.