Summit Is Better:
Equal Opportunity Learning
Equal opportunity is not just about making sure people from different backgrounds have the same chance to learn. In an educational setting, equal opportunity means that every learning style is treated equally and given the same opportunities for a superior education experience.
The staff at Summit Academy knows that no two students are alike, and therefore, no two students learn alike. That is why we focus on our students as individuals and let them shape their learning experience, not the other way around. While we push all of our students towards the same goal of academic success, we know that they will each take a different journey to get there, and we are there with them every step of the way.
When you chose Summit Academy for your child, you sent a clear message. You told us that you did not want your child to be treated as part of a crowd. You said that you did not want them to get left behind so that others could move forward. You told us that you wanted your child to be a part of something and to be given their chance to shine on the academic field. You made it clear that you didn’t just want a high school diploma for them, but a college degree.
For the 2015-16 school year, Summit Academy had one of Michigan’s top 50 highest graduation rates with a nearly 99% graduation rate. We heard your message loud and clear, and we have no doubt that 100% is just on the horizon.
No matter how your child learns, or what their needs are, every Summit Academy student has the opportunity to be a part of that success.
5 Ways to Help Your Child Deal with Peer Pressure
While peer pressure occurs at every age, it seems to play a much larger role in the preteen and teenage years. Social media has also made it easy for children to be influenced by peer pressure anytime they choose to engage with others online. This makes it even more important to help your child develop the confidence and strength to uphold their values at all times.
Could your child use some assistance handling peer pressure? Here are 5 ways you can help them.
Role play with them.
The best way to teach your child how to respond in specific situations is to practice with them. This will allow them to formulate their own responses, instead of just saying what they are told. Role playing can also help them build conviction in their values.
Ask about their experiences.
Don’t assume that your child has never experienced peer pressure just because they have not talked about it. If they have been pressured by friends before, ask them how it made them feel and what they would do differently. Remember to be encouraging and understanding, which will help them be open with you in the future.
Reinforce your standards and explain them.
Kids understand rules, but they often do not know why a rule is in place. Instead of just telling them what to do (i.e. “Be home by 8”), explain to them why it is important that they adhere to your wishes (i.e. “Be home by 8 because bad things can happen after dark and I do not want you to get hurt”).
Remind them that true friends will always be there for them.
Even if they do not take part in activities that make them uncomfortable, a real friend will still be their friend. Reason with them that someone who would put them down or harass them for not doing something, was never really their friend.
Reward positive choices.
Many kids may think they missed out on something or are not having as much fun as their peers if they choose to refrain from certain activities. Remember to show them that keeping their integrity is has its own rewards.
May Activity:
Random Acts of Kindness at Summit
As trite as it is, most of us find that giving truly is better than receiving. This month, we want the students of Summit Academy North Middle School to put those words to action by engaging in random acts of kindness right here in school.
How to Do It
Each student should strive to perform one kind act each school day during the rest of the month. Encourage your child to vocalize a compliment, pick up a dropped book, or even comfort a student they may not know well. Remember, it costs nothing to be kind, so feel free to perform as many acts of kindness as possible, but no less than one.
Share the Feeling
If your child was the recipient of a random act of kindness, share their experience on Facebook and Instagram with the tag #randomactsofsummit. Your experience or picture just may encourage others to extend a hand!
Resources:
Making Homework a Habit
To make something a habit means making it a normal part of your life. True, some habits can be bad, like biting your nails.
Yet, there are many good things that can become a habit too, such as making the bed each day. Doing homework on a regular basis would definitely be considered a good habit to have. Would you say that your child has made doing homework a habit?
The Challenge
Getting students to see the significance of doing homework can sometimes be challenging for both teachers and parents. Many of our teachers become frustrated when students fail to turn in homework because it impacts how successful a student may be in their class. On the other hand, parents must contend with the many distractions at home while trying to get your child to make their homework a priority and focus on completing it.
The Solution
When it comes to completing homework, students need to develop some self-sufficiency. This doesn’t mean they can’t ask for help. It means that parents and teachers need to know that the student is making homework a priority, or a habit. When students possess a certain amount of self-sufficiency, they take it upon themselves to complete their homework and turn it in without being told to by an authority figure.
How to Do It
In order to make homework your child’s habit, they need to first understand that it is an essential part of their education and directly impacts their grade. Homework also allows teachers to see the areas where a student excels, and where they may need a little more assistance.
Parents must also make sure a homework routine is provided at home. Students have better results when there is a time set aside for doing homework. The more structure provided, the easier it is for a child to make homework their habit.
The most important thing to remember is that follow up and accountability are necessary to your child’s success. Follow up on PowerSchool to confirm that assignments have been turned in on time. If you notice missing or late assignments, hold your child responsible for them. The more serious they see you are about their assignments, the easier it will be to make homework their habit.
Is Middle School too Early to Plan for College?
Many people believe that planning for college does not start until students have started high school.
While more aggressive planning does take place during the high school years, it is still important for younger students to begin thinking about and preparing for their college goals.
Why Start Now
Summit Academy offers students the unique opportunity to explore their interests and passions prior to college. Middle schoolers should begin thinking about what they would like to study in college so that they can start planning their high school curriculum accordingly. Additionally, middle schoolers who begin thinking about and planning for their college education are more likely to stay academically motivated throughout their high school years.
Things to Do
Here is a short list of ways that you can begin planning for college with your middle schooler.
Talk about their career goals.
Of course, these can change, but talking about them will help your child begin to think about what they may want to study in college.
Begin researching the classes offered at Summit Academy North High School.
If the student has not shown interest in particular studies before, it is possible they may express interest in what the high school offers. This too can help them start thinking of potential college majors.
Discuss where they would like to attend college.
Even if they are not sure what they want to study, many students have an idea of what college they want to go to. If schedules allow, try and take a tour of the campuses they are interested in. Simply being on a college campus can trigger excitement and further motivate them to achieve their goal.
Research the careers that interest them and the qualifications they will need to work in those fields.
This will remind them why a college education is important and encourage them to take action towards meeting those requirements.
MEET OUR STAFF & STUDENTS
Student:
Michael Domka
Age: 11
Favorite subject:
“Gym.”
Favorite Teacher:
“Mr. Hatfield.”
Why he loves Summit Academy:
“The teachers are amazing and the school teaches you so much!”
Student:
Briana Victor
Age: 14
Favorite subject:
“ELA”
Favorite Teacher:
“Victor.”
Why she loves Summit Academy:
“The teachers help us all with anything we need.”
Faculty:
Ms. Jinn
Role at Summit Academy:
Ms. Jinn currently teaches 7th grade English and reading.
Ms. Jinn in three words:
Dedicated, resourceful, and passionate.
Why she loves Summit Academy:
“It really feels like a close knit community here.”
Most memorable moment at Summit:
“Everyday feels like a new memory for me”
Interesting fact about her:
“I am currently working on my masters in reading curriculum and teaching.”
Summit Academy is better because…
“You will not find a more caring group of teachers and staff anywhere else.”