Guidance Information
Are you new to Saunders? Moving?
The Saunders school counselors are here to help! Please contact us anytime for a clearer understanding of the registration/withdrawal process. Click here for a quick check list of documents you'll need to present at registration here at Saunders, or elsewhere.
Welcome to our New Military Families and Students!!
Welcome to our New Military Families and Students!!
If you or your child is new to Saunders and you are a military family, be sure to let us know! Saunders supports our military community and has access to special resources that will assist your transition to your new "home". Please also visit www.schoolquest.org for MCEC tools to make your move a little more smooth.
Saunders Adopts the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program!!
In June 2008 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students were randomly surveyed about bullying at Saunders. They were asked questions such as, "How many times have you been bullied at school in one month?" and "Where does bullying take place in your school?" Answers were compiled and the data was reported back to Saunders administration to assist in making decisions to enhance the overall climate of our school.
Saunders has been able to adopt the Olweus Bully Prevention Program via a grant from the Virginia Commonwealth University. The Olweus program is a school-wide, preventative and problem-solving, research-based approach to decreasing bullying and supporting victims. All teachers and staff at Saunders are in the process of being trained so that they can better identify bullying and effectively intervene and support when necessary.
The Olweus program consists of four components: school-wide rules, classroom meetings, On-the-Spot interventions, and parent/community connections. At Saunders, our goal is to provide a positive, supportive, and nurturning learning environment where all students feel safe and able to learn.
What do you know about the victims of bullies?
Sometimes it is difficult to determine whether or not a person is being bullied. Often times, victims feel embarrassed and do not want to "tell" anyone that they are being bullied. Here are a list of the common signs victims may show:
In June 2008 sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students were randomly surveyed about bullying at Saunders. They were asked questions such as, "How many times have you been bullied at school in one month?" and "Where does bullying take place in your school?" Answers were compiled and the data was reported back to Saunders administration to assist in making decisions to enhance the overall climate of our school.
Saunders has been able to adopt the Olweus Bully Prevention Program via a grant from the Virginia Commonwealth University. The Olweus program is a school-wide, preventative and problem-solving, research-based approach to decreasing bullying and supporting victims. All teachers and staff at Saunders are in the process of being trained so that they can better identify bullying and effectively intervene and support when necessary.
The Olweus program consists of four components: school-wide rules, classroom meetings, On-the-Spot interventions, and parent/community connections. At Saunders, our goal is to provide a positive, supportive, and nurturning learning environment where all students feel safe and able to learn.
What do you know about the victims of bullies?
Sometimes it is difficult to determine whether or not a person is being bullied. Often times, victims feel embarrassed and do not want to "tell" anyone that they are being bullied. Here are a list of the common signs victims may show:
- Student is frightened of walking/riding the bus to and from school
- Student does not want to come to school
- Student becomes withdrawn and/or anxious
- Student attemps, threatens, or talks about suicide
- Student cries often or has nightmares
- Student begins to perform poorly in school, grades drop
- Student comes home with clothes/belongings damaged
- Student begins to bully other children/siblings
What to do if you notice these behaviors:
- Encourage the student to report bullying incidents to a responsible adult
- Assure the student that reporting the incident(s) is the right thing to do and that he/she is not to blame
- Validate the students' feelings by letting him/her know that it is normal to feel hurt, sad, scared, angry, etc.
- Help the student be specific in describing bullying incidents: who, what, where, when
- Ask the student to describe the steps already taken to resolve the bullying
- Coach the student to explore possible alternatives: avoidance, discussion, adult help, sticking by friends
- Advise the student to get help, it is not recommended that victims physically fight back...often, the bullying lasts longer and becomes more severe in this instance.
8TH GRADERS RECEIVE NUMERICAL GRADING!
Students and parents are to be advised of the major changes in the grading system for eighth graders. All grades are averaged numerically in 8th, which is a huge change from the letter system used in sixth and seventh grades. This helps better prepare students for the transition to high school. Students are encouraged to do ALL of their homework and study for each and every test and quiz. In Touch online is a great way to keep track of students' grades. If you do not have your In Touch password, please contact your grade-level counselor and one will be provided for you.
SPECIALTY PROGRAM APPLICATIONS
Parents and 8th grade students may want to begin investigating high school specialty programs. Each high school in Prince William County offers a program designed to reach students with particular interests and career goals. Student may apply for specialty programs outside of their high school boundary. Students who live within a high school boundary are not automatically admitted to a specialty program. All students must apply. Students interested in applying for a specialty program must submit the application in February before the year they plan to attend. Each program has specific requirements for acceptance. Below is a list of each specialty program. Please contact the school for more information:
- Forest Park High- Center for Information Technology, Network Design and Engineering
- Gar-Field High- International Baccalaureate Programme, Integrated Engineering Systems Technology
- Hylton High- Center for International Studies and Languages, Television Production, Auto Technology
- Potomac Senior High- Cambridge Program, Collision Repair
- Osbourn Park High- Bio Technology Center
- Woodbridge Senior High- Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, Television Production, Project Lead-the-Way, Cosmetology
- Freedom High-The Center for Environmental Sciences
- Osbourn Park High- Health Services Specialty
- Stonewall Jackson High- Network Design and Engineering, Cosmetology
