CMS Guidance Office provides students with help in scheduling classes, problem solving, and adjustment to middle school life. The counselor is available each school day from 7:45-3:30 for students. Students should feel welcome to come at any time to discuss any problems that might arise in or outside of school. Mrs. Hale is also available to speak to parents by appointment during the day. Parents who would like to schedule a teacher conference should contact Mrs. Hale for an appointment.

Dear Parent or Guardian: What are you doing to help your child succeed in school? (Note: The following items are not in order of importance.)

1. Are you an avid reader?
2. Do you read with/to your child daily?
3. Do you allow your child to read to you?
4. Do you buy all needed school supplies? (Including medicine your child may take on a regular basis.)
5. Do you provide your child with proper nutrition on a daily basis?
6. Do you send your child to bed at a reasonable hour on school nights, no later than 9 p.m.?
7. Does your child arrive at school on time on every school day?
8. Have you introduced yourself to your child's teachers?
9. Do you have a special place in your home for your child to do homework?
10. Do you review your child's homework and assist your child with homework when it is needed?
11. If you do not know how to help your child, do you seek advice from the teacher?
12. Do you insist that your child respect his/her teacher and follow classroom rules?
13. Do you take your child to the pediatrician when over-the-counter medicines are not effective?
14. Have you had your child's vision and hearing tested within the past year?
15. Do you meet with the teacher before concerns arise, especially if your child has been weak in an academic area?
16. Is your home a calming and nurturing environment? (i.e. no drug/alcohol/physical/verbal/sexual abuse)
17. Are you maintaining a home with basic necessities? (Electricity, running water, gas, etc.)
18. Are you discussing your concerns with your child's teachers instead of talking about the teachers in front of your child?
19. Do you go to parent meetings and volunteer in your child's school?
20. Have you provided your child's school with a list of updated phone numbers and addresses where you may be reached directly?
21. Are you stressing the importance of doing your best in school to your child?
22. Do you consider the opinions of other professionals when making decisions for your child? (school nurse, principal, doctor, etc)
23. Are you your child's BIGGEST FAN? ("I believe in you!" "I know you can do it!" "I love you!")

Adapted from AEA Journal