COUNSELOR'S
CORNER 2004

Welcome to Alamitos
The School that Unites to Celebrate "Ethnic Diversity"

Alamitos Intermediate School welcomes everyone for the coming school year. We consider it a great benefit to have such an "Ethnically Diverse" student body and we are glad that you will be attending Alamitos.

In keeping with our tradition of celebrating "Ethnic Diversity", we ask you to make a special effort to get to know each other - especially those who are arriving from other parts of the world.

Please see me if you would like to serve as an "Ambassador" or "Tutor" 
to a new student. This is an excellent way to demonstrate "Unity" and 
to help make this world a better place for everyone.

Emotional Well Being

Adjusting to the intermediate school can be very stressful for many of our students.
It is normal to experience a wide range of emotions when you are under stress. Some of the reactions you might experience are as follows:

* Difficulty focusing on your studies
* Being overly emotional for no apparent reason
* Depression and tearfulness
* Anger, aggression and acting out
* Free floating anxiety and fear
* Social isolation and withdrawal
* Inability to reestablish normal sleep habits - nightmares
* Change in appetite - either eating more or less food
* Physical reactions - headaches, stomach aches, increased heart rate, sweating, etc
* Substance abuse

During times of stress, it is very important to take good care of yourself. Try to eat nutritious meals, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and take a few deep breaths to relax. 

It is also essential for you to express your feelings. Ideally, you will share your thoughts and feelings with your family. However, you can also express your thoughts and feelings by writing in a journal or creating a work of art/music/dance.

If you are unable to work through your feelings, and they are interfering with your studies and/or your relationships, please come to the counseling office. I am here to listen and offer referrals to support services in the community, for students and/or their families.
Schedules

Although I have double-checked all schedules, it is important for you to come to my office if you have any questions about your classes. Also, please see me immediately if you do not have the following six classes:

7th Graders: Language Arts - Language Arts - Math - PE - World History/Science
+ another Math class OR an Elective...

8th Graders: Language Arts - Math - PE - U.S. History - Science
+ another Language Arts class OR an Elective...

ELD I Students: ELD - ELD - ELD - Math - PE
+ another Math class OR an Elective...
Secrets for Success

1. Come to school every day
2. Arrive to all classes on time
3. Come prepared with pen, pencil, paper, notebook and homework
4. Always use your organizer for homework assignments and test dates
5. Ask your teacher for help if you do not understand
6. Go to the homework center, after school, if you need help
7. Do your research with the books and computers in the Media Center
8. See the counselor if you have any questions or need help
9. See the attendance office if you are absent or late
10. Always do all of your homework and give it to the teacher on time

Wishing you a successful and satisfying school year! I look forward to getting together with you, and/or your parents, and want you to know you are always welcome in my office.