Tuesday, December 18, 2018

NJ Summer Camps/Programs

It is that time of year where summer programs and camps are having open houses and fairs. Click on the links below for more information. 

Monday, November 19, 2018

Gratitude Activities

Whether you are a middle schooler or a parent of one, everyone benefits from having gratitude. Benefits can range from having better relationships with others to a better mental state. Practicing gratitude can also enhance empathy, reduce aggression, improve sleep, and improve self-esteem.

Thanksgiving is a great time to start practicing gratitude. Below are some ideas to get you started.






- Gratitude Journal
- Gratitude Jar
- Donate
- Make a Gratitude Collage
- Create a Thankful Window
- Write Thank You Notes
- Read Books about Gratitude
- Make a Gratitude Tree


 Image from  charifogarty.com
 Image by  Blog.TheConnectionWeShare.com  for  MomVsTheBoys.com



To learn more on the benefits of gratitude and read about the activities suggested, visit the links posted below.


http://investinginchildren.on.ca/blog/2015/1/28/9-gratitude-activities-for-children

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201504/7-scientifically-proven-benefits-gratitude


Thursday, October 11, 2018

100 Coping Strategies

We all have tough days. Using healthy coping strategies can make a tough day a bit easier. Consider practicing some of the strategies listed below with your child. 




Monday, October 1, 2018

The Importance of Positive Affirmations

Why are positive affirmations so important during childhood?
Research has shown that we all learn our belief systems as little children. It is the very belief system that functions as the foundation of our entire life. This means that adults move through life trying to experience situations that match their beliefs learned from childhood. But it also means that we are often bound to the limiting beliefs learned during childhood. These negative thought patterns can be attributed to childhood conditioning or unconsciously picking up negative beliefs.

For this very reason, it is so important to help your children establish a supportive belief system showing them a positive attitude to life. By doing so we can help our children to internalize good values and positive beliefs, which allows them to develop confidence and a healthy dose of self-esteem.

I am loved.
I listen to my heart.
I am safe.
I have lots of friends who love me.
My dreams are coming true.
I am helpful.
I am friendly.
Every problem has an answer.
I am kind.
I can do it.
I play well with others.
I’m intelligent.
I learn from my mistakes.
I act responsibly.
I am calm.
I love myself even though I sometimes fail.
Every day brings new opportunities.
I accept and love myself.
I am kind.
I am relaxed.
I have faith in myself.
I am brave.
I have trust in myself.
I am generous.
I am loving.
I meet great decisions.
I am kind to all.
I am protected.
Whatever I do, I give my best.
I am exactly where I need to be.
I trust in my abilities.
I solve problems.
I am unique.
I have lots of energy.
I am peaceful.
I can become whatever I want to be.
I embrace change.
I make friends easily.
My intuition is a guide showing me the right direction.
I accomplish great results.
I have a beautiful imagination.
I am confident.
I welcome the unfoldment of events.
I am caring.
I find creative solutions to my problems.
I think positive.
I am thankful.
I am courageous.
I am gentle with myself and others.
I am whole.
I enjoy testing new ideas.
I have courage.
I have happy thoughts.
I forgive others for their mistakes.
I reach my goals.
Problems are challenges to better me.
I get better and better every day.
I discover the beauty in everything.
I have positive thoughts.
I am in charge of my life.
All is well.
I enjoy discovering something new.
My family and friends love me for who I am.
I am a good friend to myself.
I enjoy learning.
I have many good friends.
I am very creative.
I believe in my abilities.
I am persistent.
I understand complex problems quickly.
I am forgiving.
I am honest.
I am trustworthy.
I always find ways to overcome challenges
I am compassionate.
I listen to my inner wisdom.
I am open to new and exciting possibilities
I make friends easily2
I am growing up well
I give freely.
I am a good influence on others.
I am carrying.
I draw inspiration from life and my role models.
I am awesome.
I have good friends.
I am a good friend.
I am thoughtful and kind.
I enjoy spending time with myself.
I am strong, inside and out.
I am gentle.
I reach for the stars.
Miracles happen to me.
I am joyful.
I am patient.
I am brave.
I am perfect just the way I am.
I keep my body healthy.
I enjoy healthy food.
I am ready to seize the opportunities of the day.
I am awesome.
I care about others.
I feel joy in every corner of my body.
I work hard.
Life is fun.
I meet the right decisions.
I enjoy being cheerful.
I am important.
I can do anything.
I am peaceful.
I approve of myself.
My heart guides me.
I trust my intuition.
I am thankful for being who I am.
I see the good in myself.
I enjoy being happy.
I take pleasure in my life.
I support others with love and kindness.
I enjoy absorbing knowledge like a sponge.
I am a winner.
I am worthwhile of all the love and happiness in the world.
I am proud myself.
I take care of my responsibilities.
I am beautiful.
I like being challenged.
I am a bright student.
I play an important role in the world.
I like myself.
I am thoughtful.
I trust the wisdom in me.
I replace anger with compassion.
I am optimistic.
I am beautiful.
I am excited of the unknown.
I am full of energy.
I respect other people.
I learn from my mistakes.
I love my family and friends.
I receive all the help that I need.
Everything works out just fine.
Wonderful and awesome things happen to me.
I am kind to others.
I enjoy challenging myself.
I forgive myself for making a mistake.
I believe in myself.
I believe in my dreams.
I have the courage to be myself.
I am okay with who I am.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Dress Up for Week of Respect - October 1st - October 5th


The week beginning the first Monday in October is recognized as the Week of Respect in New Jersey schools. Iselin Middle School is excited to observe this week by providing our students with age-appropriate activities that focus on character building and bullying prevention, throughout the month of October. In addition to classroom activities, the Week of Respect will include special dress up days.  Please take the time to speak with your child about respecting themselves and others. Thank you in advance for your participation and support!


WEEK OF RESPECT 2018
October 1st – October 5th

Monday, October 1st : Turn Our Back on Bullies
At Iselin Middle School, we do not tolerate bullying. Today, let’s wear Blue JEANS to Kick off the Week of Respect and turn our backs on Bullies!

Tuesday, October 2nd: Be A Buddy Not a Bully
Iselin Middle School is a NO BULLY ZONE. Let’s wear Red today to show we want bullying to Stop!

Wednesday, October 3rd: Bullies and I Don’t Mix
Bystanders should never side with the bully or encourage the bully. Let’s wear mix-matched clothes today to let bullies know that we don’t want to be on their side!

Thursday, October 4th: Put A Cap on Bullying
Bystanders and victims can stop bullying by reporting it to a trusted adult. Let’s wear caps (hats) today in school to put a cap on bullying!

Friday, October 5th: Team Up Against Bullying
Combating against bullying is a team effort. Let’s wear IMS spiritwear (t-shirt, sweatshirt, etc.), your favorite team shirt or jersey today to show how important it is for bystanders and victims to stick together to stop bullying.

Monday, September 24, 2018

Digital Safety


Today Richard Guerry from IROC2.org provided a digital safety presentation to our 6th graders.  It is important to continue this conversation at home with all of our children. Below are some tips found on https://www.fosi.org/good-digital-parenting, as well as other useful sites to help us guide our children in this digital age.









Additional Sites on Digital Safety

Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Ambassadors Needed

Attention all students! Are you friendly, have good grades, and demonstrate good character? The Guidance Department is looking for you to join the Ambassadors. As an Ambassador you will be asked to show new students around Iselin Middle School. Applications are found in the Guidance Department and will be accepted until October 5th. Speaking a second language is preferred.  There is also a strong need for students that speak Spanish, Creole, Hindi, Gujarati, and Urdu.




Wednesday, August 29, 2018

Back-to-School Tips

Heading back to school can be an exciting yet overwhelming time of the year. Below are two sites and a video, to help you and your middle schooler start the year out right.