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The greatest piece of advice I would give you is to maintain your focus on what's important (your academic success), but also be sure to have fun too. I think 8th grade will present the opportunity for you to not only grow intellectually but also will allow you to find yourself, which in my opinion is equally important.  Seek out what you are talented in and find ways to bless CJHS with your talents because that's how we make our mark in the world :-)  I look forward to seeing you in the fall!

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I think you will really like the Junior High. We have great teachers that are more than willing to help anyone; whether it’s with a locker, finding a class, getting supplies,getting help with class work, or needing a non-judgemental place to sit, get advice, talk, cry, or scream if needed. Never hesitate to ask for help! The first week or so can be overwhelming in a new place, but, we teachers, we got you! Find me the first day of school, first week, whenever... I’ll help you or talk you through your schedule and how to best prepare for a successful start with the teachers you have. Can’t wait to meet you!

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Don't worry, the teachers are not scary or strict, and the building is also not scary. We do have Wolf Time, but we only do it every other week here. There are many clubs and sports that you can get involved with, and the 8th grade trip to Washington D.C. is a really fun opportunity.

My number one most important advice for an incoming 8th grader would probably be to try to keep a positive attitude. As you mentioned, there are a lot of great things kids can get involved with to enjoy their time here and prepare for high school and beyond. There is also a chance kids will run into some obstacles (a tough assignment, a peer with a negative attitude, a friendship problem, etc.), but I think a positive attitude will help them get through these types of situations and grow from the experience.

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I think the most important advice is to stay focused on your academics. Help is always available from teachers in any subject to those that ask for it.

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Be involved in sports, clubs, the arts, etc. Find a group of like minded young people who share your interests, goals and values, and get involved with them to achieve together.

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I don't think that the building itself is something to be concerned about.  It is easy to get around, and we have a great group of teachers here.  I truly believe the hardest thing is the age group that you are moving into (young adulthood) and making a change to a new building on top of it.  It's human nature to get comfortable where we are and not want to make any changes.  Keep in mind, most students are feeling the very same way that you are with making a new transition.  All 8th grade students will be transitioning together to this next building on your educational journey.  Many students have not even been to our building to get familiar with it.  In a short amount of time, all new to the building students, including yourself, will become familiar and comfortable with the JHS.  Our teachers and counselors do a great job connecting with students, and they will help if you need support as well.

My best piece of advice is to not "over think" it, because you are definitely no alone here!  If you set some time away to work on assignments everyday after school, you will be successful at the JHS.  It's important to do tasks over time each day rather than letting things build up and get unmanageable which only makes students feel overwhelmed.  If you manage your time well, you will be successful here at the JHS!  Learning time management will help you become successful beyond high school  too!  This is a good time to start planning for your future.  Your future does not belong to your mom, your dad, your siblings, your teachers or your school counselor....it belongs to you!  I am here to help you get to where you want to go!  Dream as big as you like, because anything is possible and I am here to help you learn to solve problems that may arise along the way.

Mrs. Nardone

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Doing your best and having time management skills are certainly essential to a positive educational outcome and great life long habits. My advice is to be you, don’t let others influence your actions and distract you from your personal goals. Not sure how each teacher handles their grading but I assume that most have extra credit along the way. A counselor will best be able to answer your question about credits needed to graduate. Have a great summer!

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Don't take yourself or anyone else too seriously and enjoy the journey.

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I would say that it is most important for 8th graders to not be afraid, as we really have a great group of teachers and students here at CJHS. I would also say that all 8th graders would benefit from knowing not to get behind on homework.  A couple of zeros in the gradebook can really hurt your grade and make it tough to come back from. Please stop by and introduce yourself next year, I would be happy to answer any other questions you may have.

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I think the most important thing to keep in mind as an incoming 8th grader is to pursue what you love. We have SO many opportunities here at CJHS in terms of student clubs. If you want to sponsor a club, however obscure it may be, DO IT! Go for it! I am certain that you'll be able to find a teacher to sponsor your club. I sponsor four clubs after school and they are the very best part of my day, and the best part of my students' day (or so they tell me). The kids involved are so laid back, yet equally excited about their own unique club. Hope this helps! We look forward to seeing you at CJHS next year. Enjoy the rest of your 7th grade year!

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My most important advice to you...is to stay true to who you are, it's so important to stand up for yourself, stay true to what makes you happy and get involved with school activities that bring you joy. Do not be afraid to use your voice and speak up for yourself and for others. The Junior High is a transition, it's different, it's new and it is change, take the change as a new journey and have fun. Stay positive! You are going to be welcomed by a wonderful and creative group of teachers who want the best for you and who see the best in you.

From a teacher's perspective...stay ahead of your school work, stay organized, use your planner and use Google Classroom (most teachers use this as a great source of communication in and out of the classroom), and put in the extra work, it will pay off.

This is such an exciting time for you, don't wish your days away, just enjoy this crazy Junior High School ride!

You are going to have memorable years here!

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It's important to show your teachers what you're capable of while remembering to relax and have fun. You can earn a lot of respect by being yourself, trying hard, and showing kindness.

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I would say the most important advice is to ALWAYS do every assignment.  If you have a great work ethic...that means every assignment is completed with quality work then you will do great next year!  You may also want to get involved in some after school activities!  Remember to ask your teachers when you get stuck or don't understand.  They want to help!

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I think you should know everything will be alright and that our staff is here to help you!  Obviously to be successful I recommend coming in organized.  This means both with your supplies and your ability to keep your class materials organized.  I have two young boys myself and notice that when they keep their binders organized by class they do VERY well in school.

Hope this helps!

I look forward to meeting you!

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1. It's ok if you get lost, you'll figure out the school in no time.

2. All your teachers want to teach you, if you get discouraged about anything, talk to them.

3. Stay on top of your work, do all your work

4. Have fun, junior high years go by fast!!

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8th-grade sports teams include basketball, track, and volleyball (similar to what was offered at SMS).You can try out for JV and Varsity teams starting in the 9th grade.

I would definitely suggest finding your classes during schedule pick up day in August before school starts. It takes some time to learn a new building, but once you do, it's pretty easy! Also, we will have semesters at the Jr. High and High School so your year is divided in half - final grades aren't calculated until January and June. Other than that, things should be similar to your experience at SMS!

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The teachers at the junior high are nice and want to see students succeed.  I think the most important thing for an incoming 8th grader to know is to stay organized! Staying organized includes things like: making sure you know what you have for homework, knowing when a test is or when a project is due, having a system for keeping all of your assignments in order, and making sure your locker does not become a black hole! Also, know that your teachers will be supportive if you ask for help. That is why they are there. Don't be afraid to ask questions.

There are many new opportunities at the junior high, too. Different clubs, sports, and classes. Once you have a good organizational system in place, you might want to get involved in an extra-curricular activity.

Stop in and say hi some time. And if you have any questions, I'd be happy to help you out.

Have a great summer, and maybe I'll see you around the junior high next year.

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8th grade (and life) will be precisely what you make of it. The sky is the limit. If you show up with a good attitude, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to get involved, there will be much success for you here.

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The most important thing to know is that the counselors and teachers are here to help you.  It is very common to get lost or feel overwhelmed the first few days, but if you ask a nearby teacher they will be happy to get you on track. If you come to class prepared and give your best effort, you will be successful at CJHS. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

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This building isn't nearly as large as SMS. It's easy to find your way- very basic.  BTW don't let anyone talk you into buying an elevator pass- the building is all on the same level.

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I think there are 2 important things all 8th graders should know...

The first is to stay organized.  You will have 6 different teachers every day that will assign work, give you notes, handouts, study guides, etc.  You will also have a final exam at the end of each semester so it is important that you save all of your work.  I would suggest having a 3 ring binder with dividers for each class.

The second is time management.  Your school work load increases with every grade.  You will also have more time consuming activities after school (sports, clubs, etc).  It is important for you to manage your time wisely. Do not procrastinate on homework, projects, or studying.  Look at your weekly schedule and figure out what nights are good for studying and when you are too busy.

I hope this helps!

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At first, the Junior High seems intimidating, but we have so many staff members ready to help make your day run as smoothly as possible.  On your first day, we can help you with your lockers, navigating the hallways, and getting to lunch.  8th graders agree that lunch is their favorite "subject."  I asked my current 8th graders to give me some advice to pass along to you.

Students recommend that you have a close circle of friends that you can rely on, have a plan to stay organized, and be prepared to work hard.  Students said most teachers are nice, you will have fun, and there are many activities (clubs, sports) you can get involved in.

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Welcome to CJHS! I would say that the most important advice for all incoming students is to advocate for yourself, when you need it. Advocate means ask for help. Make sure that you ask for help when it is needed from teachers, counselors, administrators, etc.

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I believe being in 8th grade it takes a little adjusting to, but overall is a very positive transition period for learning how to become more independent.  I am in the middle hallway and if you ever need someone to help with the transition, please let me know. The most important thing I think for coming to the junior high is to make sure you are organized and have all subjects separated in an organized manner (for ex. color)

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4 tardies = a detention
5 minutes late = an absence
12 absences allowed per semester, then after that you get attendance contract

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I would say that one of the more important things to know about the junior high is that most teachers will expect you to stay on top of your assignments, due dates, grades, concerns, etc.  This means that not only will need to be organized, but you should also communicate with your teachers.  Don't have your parents email teachers with your questions/concerns/etc.  A big part of junior high school is taking on more of the responsibility of your own education.