Youth Conservation Day

Seventh-grade scientists had the opportunity to participate in Youth Conservation Day at Upham Woods. Conservation Day is a day students get to "participate in hands-on sessions in the great outdoors to help them learn about water quality, forestry, urban sprawl, soil science, food chains, and much more. The goal is to make learning "real" by giving students the opportunity to participate in a variety of topics in a hands-on setting" (Sauk County).

Students got to partake in a common conservation project enhancing the trails around the property. This involved hauling and spreading mulch to a designated area of the new trail. The purpose of the new trail was to avoid unnecessary foot traffic in nature areas.

They also got to choose other conservation-related activities to fill the remainder of their time. Some students became experts on wacky water critters by getting down and dirty in a creek, where they took water samples and investigated what different critters lived there. Others learned all they could about scales, scutes, and skins and how to avoid and treat tick bites while outside! Some students had the opportunity to practice their skills in fishing and archery. 

To wrap up the day, students were introduced to all of the volunteers and what organizations they were representing. A blast was had by all!

7th & 8th Grade Students to Preview Mamma Mia!

On Wednesday, November 8, our 7th and 8th grade students have the privilege of attending a preview of the RAHS Drama fall production of Mamma Mia! We are excited for the opportunity to see this cast and crew put on what is anticipated to be a fantastic show! If there is a reason you do not want your child to attend this performance, please contact the Webb Middle School Office, and we will make alternate arrangements.

Executive Function Skills in Middle School

Does your child ever seem to have a hard time getting started with tasks, finishing what they start, or remembering what they are even supposed to be doing in the first place? Could their binder and/or their locker be declared a disaster area with little hope of any surviving assignments ever being found?

If so, they are not alone (and neither are you)! Many capable students struggle with these types of daily skills, known as executive function skills. These skills play an important role in a student's success during middle school and beyond; they include activities such as planning, organization, time management, paying attention to details, and even problem-solving to manage behavior. Developing strong executive function skills not only helps students do well academically but also sets them up for success in many other areas of their lives.

So, if these types of activities don’t come naturally to your student, what can be done to improve them? While there’s no magic wand, there are strategies that could help. Here are a few things to try.

• First, help them to establish a daily routine and stick to it! This helps them know what to expect, manage their time effectively, and stay organized. 
• Second, teach them to break down big tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. This will make the task feel less overwhelming and easier to tackle. 
• Third, encourage them to practice mindful attention by focusing on one task at a time without distractions. (Examples: watch TV without being on their phone, read a book without trying to watch TV at the same time) This will improve concentration and productivity. 
• Fourth, practice the use of visual tools like calendars, to-do lists, and reminder notes. These can be great aids in staying organized and keeping track of deadlines. Consider using digital apps or traditional paper planners to stay on top of daily responsibilities.
• Finally, encourage them to seek support and ask for help when needed. Learning to utilize resources such as teachers, tutors, or mentors who can provide guidance is a lifelong skill!

Just like improving any other skill, remember that getting better with executive function skills is a gradual process. With practice and perseverance, your student can become better at staying organized, managing their time effectively, and achieving their goals!

FRIENDLY REMINDER:

Cell phones are not allowed in the classroom. If you need to get a message to your child,

please call the office.