Summit Middle School

Edmond Public Schools

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	Counselors click on the counselor's name to access their webpage 6th Grade *Vallery McLaughlin* 7th Grade *Susan Kerlin* 8th Grade *Becky Pitt*


	Characteristics of the Early Adolescent Early adolescence is an important time for every human- for the mind, body, and personality. Parents who try to understand their early adolescent and who create for him or her a stable home environment play an important role in the life of that emerging young adult. The following is a simplified snapshot of the characteristics of youth between 10 and 15. This information is taken from the book, Your Ten- to Fourteen-Year-Old by Ames, Ilg, and Baker (Dell, 1989). Age 11: Disequilibrium. Makes little effort to cooperate. Poor behavior often a result of inexperience in making adjustments within a culture that is changing as he is changing. Often mannerly away from home. Challenges family, but cherishes family life. Tests limits of what authority will and will not permit. Doesn’t seem to understand the turmoil she causes. Age 12: Smoother in relationships, more positive in moods, more enthusiastic about life. Remarkably tolerant. Shows and outgoing enthusiasm for new adventure. Age 13: Likely to be extremely inwardized, withdrawn. Appears to be painfully self-conscious, thoughtful and moody. Age 14: Expansion year. All over the place, physically and enthusiastically. Loves new and different- new activities, new friends, and new adventure. Energy seems boundless. As you can see, your middle school child will be going through a rollercoaster, which means that you, the parent, will be on the same ride!! Try your best to nurture a loving relationship. Let them know you love them, show support, and try your best to understand what he or she is going through.


	Did you know?Summit Counselors stay with the same group of kids all three years of middle school. This helps foster relationships with not only the students but the parents as well.Summit Counselors work very closely with the teachers to promote student success, both academically and socially. Summit Counselors change their office every year. This ensures that the students and teachers are always in close proximity to the counselor.Two outside counseling agencies come to Summit to provide small group counseling throughout the school year. Calm Waters provides grief counseling while Edmond Family Counseling provides counseling in the area of stress/anger management.Summit Counselors teach Guidance lessons throughout the year using the research based Second Step curriculum. The goals of the Second Step program are to decrease aggression, violence, bullying, and substance abuse and increase school success. The counselors also provide “Bullying Prevention Mini-Lessons” to the faculty using district provided supplemental materials. Grade level Counselors for the 2012-2013 school year are: 6^th grade: Vallery McLaughlin 7^th grade: Susan Kerlin 8^th grade: Becky Pitt

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