Morton Junior High School News and Notes

Want to raise financially responsible adults with good money habits? Start talking about money when your kids are young. If you’re like most parents, the idea of talking to kids about money is about as appealing as changing diapers, being the sole soccer carpool driver for an entire season or taking away your teenager’s phone so they’ll study. They’re all dirty jobs, but sometimes you’ve got to step up. The good news is that when it comes to talking to kids about money, most of us are muscling through our discomfort. According to a Chase bank survey , more  than 70% of US parents are regularly discussing financial topics with their children. They’re even talking about their family’s own financial situation. Click the link to learn more about how you can raise financially responsible adults . 

This was emailed to parents today: Even children who enjoy doing homework can lose their enthusiasm for it over the course of the school year, and find ways to stall or avoid doing it. But after-school study time is important, both for reinforcing the day’s learning and for lending structure to your child’s day. “Homework isn’t just about academics,” says Karen Burke, SVP of Data Analysis and Academic Planning, Scholastic Education Solutions. “It can help students create routines and build responsible behaviors.” Playing cop rarely works — micromanaging and nagging only make kids feel incapable or frustrated. Instead, think of yourself as a coach and cheerleader. Click the link to learn tips on how to help help your student with homework.

  A medication authorization form is required before we are allowed to administer any medication (prescription and over the counter).  This has to be signed off by both a parent and physician.  We are happy to fax forms to doctors' offices to assist parents.   Also, any medication must be in its original bottle.  We can't accept meds contained in baggies.   The medication authorization form can be found on the JH homepage under "PARENT RESOURCES" or in the main office.   Thanks for your help

MPTV created video:   https://youtu.be/MStiuRNwtZk Be sure to subscribe to the MPTV YouTube page. 

This was emailed to parents on Oct. 6... Why Watching TV and Movies is Better Together   Parents tend to worry about exactly how much screen time is appropriate for kids . The guidelines can be confusing -- and there's no magic number that's right for all families . The truth is what kids are watching and how they're watching are key parts of the equation. And when parents are involved -- by sitting together, asking questions, and explaining when necessary -- the benefits multiply. Click the link to learn more about the benefits of co-viewing shows with your kids.    

This was also emailed home tonight... 8th Grade Parents -  The 8th Grade is once again attending the Greater Peoria Career Spark Expo this Thursday morning.     We will be departing for the Peoria Civic Center at 8:20 and will return by 11:20.   This has always been a great opportunity for our students to be exposed to numerous careers first hand.     The link below will take you to a short video that explains more about the event and even features a couple of former  Junior  Potters being interviewed.    https://gppathways.org/gp-care erspark/   If you would rather your student not attend, please let me know ASAP.    Thanks!

This was emailed home tonight... Parents -    Conferences will be here before we know it.  This  link  is the form we use in scheduling conferences.       (Sign-Up Form Link:  https://docs.google.com/ forms/d/e/ 1FAIpQLScZbA5GpMffrvCLsxYAzNK9 t8_fHOr3_5u9aUYuNdiv5hKSKw/ viewform?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0 )   Please take a look at the available options.  Parents can either meet with specific teachers, individually or meet with the entire team at once.  Parents can also opt to receive an email synopsis from the team.    Schedule: Thursday, October 20 - 8:00am-7:00pm Friday, October 21 - 8:00am-12:00pm

 Congrats to our baseball team on their tremendous season.  They finished in 2nd Place in the IESA state tournament this weekend.   The team played with sportsmanship, character, and never gave up.  Their baseball journey is only beginning, and we wish them luck as they move into the high school program.