Counseling

Jr. High Resources

Excelling at NDPA

There are many things you can do to make sure you get the most out of your junior high school years. This page will give you some ideas to help you be successful on your journey. Follow these ten steps and you are sure to have a great junior high school experience here at NDPA!

The NDPA website explains our school policies, uniform code, the diagonal schedule, etc. Know where to go for help. The Counseling Office and the Main Office are two great resources.

Good attendance = school success!

  • Be organized, use your planner and write down due dates.
  • Manage time wisely; make sure you set aside time everyday to study.
  • Study Smart: use your class notes and study guides.
  • Do your homework and turn it in.
  • Take good notes and review them often.
  • Do your own work, you only cheat yourself when you don’t.

It is important for people of all ages to have goals.

  • Set short term and long term goals
  • Set specific goals that are measurable and realistic
  • Set academic and personal goals
  • Write your goals down

Students who are involved in activities usually like school more. There are many reasons to be involved in school activities here are just a few:

  • Strengthen existing friendships and make new friends
  • Learn something new, develop skills and talents
  • Service, help others
  • Become a leader
  • Relieve stress
  • Have fun


Learning to make good choices now will really help you make good choices in the future. Here is one strategy to help you in making good choices:

  1. Figure out what your choices are
  2. Write down the positive and negative things about the choices.
  3. Make sure that you have all the information you need.
  4. Think about your choices: then make your decision.

Junior high can cause stress which can lead to anger which can lead to problems with others. Remember to use the personal skills you have been learning all through elementary school at NDPA.

  • Stop and Think
  • Be aware of your feelings
  • Talk to someone you trust( an adult or trustworthy friend)
  • Use positive self-talk
  • Take deep breaths
  • Walk away
  • Talk it out
  • Redirect your energy
  • Talk to an adult

Parents are your best support.

  • Your parents really do care about you and are concerned for you.
  • Talk to your parents about what’s happening in school and with your friends.
  • Bring your friends home to meet your parents.
  • Never be disrespectful to your parents. Respect goes a long way in making strong relationships and building trust.
  • Make a real effort to do well in school. It will alleviate a lot of stress with your parents.
  • Do your chores with a good attitude.
  • Always tell your parents where you are and where you are going. Check in often. It builds trust and shows you are responsible.
  • If you make a poor choice, own it. Admit what you’ve done, make it right and pay the price. Your parents will be more understanding if you tell the truth.
  • When you and your parents disagree, try to understand things from their point of view. Discuss the situation calmly and seek for a compromise.
  • Communicate. Share your wants, needs, problems and concerns with your parents. They aren’t mind readers so unless you tell them they don’t know your needs.

Junior high offers more activities which will increase your social opportunities. You will be able to attend dances, sporting events, student government activities and clubs. As you spend more time with your peers, be certain to be true to yourself and choose friends wisely.

Junior high is a good time for you to begin thinking about your career choices and educational options. Think about what you are good at (abilities), what you like to do (interests), and what you have a natural talent for (aptitudes) and what is important to you (values).

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