Middle school can be a difficult age to navigate. Sometimes students communicate openly with adults, and sometimes they don't. They are at an age when they begin questioning authority, feeling as though their parents don't understand them, and trying to find their place in the world. They are navigating friendships, social pressures, and sometimes the beginning stages of boyfriend/girlfriend relationships. Schoolwork becomes more challenging, athletics become more competitive, and social media introduces an entirely new avenue for communicating, comparing themselves to others, and witnessing unhealthy examples of how to handle conflict and life's challenges.
We were all teenagers once, but sometimes our children have a hard time imagining that we ever experienced the same struggles they are facing today!
If your child is struggling with depression, anxiety, peer relationships, or difficult circumstances at home, we want to help. Unfortunately, we don't always know when a student is struggling until something happens or a concern becomes more noticeable. Sometimes students are reluctant to talk, unsure of where to turn, or simply don't know how to ask for help.
At Alton Middle School, we have resources available to support our students and families. Our social workers, representatives from Chestnut, and Refuge personnel are on campus and available to help. Our School Resource Officer also has connections to a variety of community resources that families may not even realize are available until they ask.
Please know that you do not have to navigate these challenges alone. We are here to listen, support, connect families with resources, and work through concerns together.
We want to see every one of our students succeed, grow, and flourish. That is one of the greatest rewards of working in education. Teachers genuinely love seeing their students grow into confident, successful adults. I know it does my heart good to see former students flourishing, even when they are now in their thirties. It is amazing how our students keep getting older while somehow we never seem to!
If you have concerns about your child, please reach out to us. You don't have to wait until there is a problem at school or until things reach a breaking point. Sometimes an early conversation can make all the difference.
We are partners in your child's growth and success, and we are always better when we work together.
