What happens in middle school?
Experts agree the middle school years can be a time of tremendous social and emotional growth. But with that growth, come plenty of decisions that can be confusing or difficult to make as a young adult. As middle school students navigate the pressures of shifting friendships, heightened academic stakes, and the onslaught of puberty it is essential to give them the outlet to discuss their observations of the world around them. The MPower program provides opportunities for such dialogue.
What is MPower?
MPower is a parent-staffed program designed to support all UMS students in feeling valued, respected, and known. Our mission is to provide students with a safe forum for discussing issues that matter to them, and to offer tools and resources to help them navigate the challenging and changing social dynamics they face. Our goal is to help create—along with the UMS staff and students’ family and friends—a web of support around our students so that they grow into healthy, grounded, responsible adults.
Experts agree the middle school years can be a time of tremendous social and emotional growth. But with that growth, come plenty of decisions that can be confusing or difficult to make as a young adult. As middle school students navigate the pressures of shifting friendships, heightened academic stakes, and the onslaught of puberty it is essential to give them the outlet to discuss their observations of the world around them. The MPower program provides opportunities for such dialogue.
What is MPower?
MPower is a parent-staffed program designed to support all UMS students in feeling valued, respected, and known. Our mission is to provide students with a safe forum for discussing issues that matter to them, and to offer tools and resources to help them navigate the challenging and changing social dynamics they face. Our goal is to help create—along with the UMS staff and students’ family and friends—a web of support around our students so that they grow into healthy, grounded, responsible adults.
What does a MPower volunteer do?
The MPower volunteers interact with a class of students three times throughout the school year. The volunteers engage students in discussions about topics relevant to the social and emotional milestones they are experiencing. Full lesson plans and training are provided.
MPower topics by grade
6th Grade:
Lesson 1: Courage, taking risks, and and growth mindset
Lesson 2: Self control and goal setting Lesson 3: Friendships and digital footprint |
7th Grade:
Lesson 1: Feeling judged and how to apologize
Lesson 2: Relationships and Bullying/cyber bullying Lesson 3: Decisions and peer pressure |
8th Grade:
Lesson 1: Being a leader, relationship with your parents, and the importance of honesty
Lesson 2: Pressure to excel and healthy habits Lesson 3: Leigh High School panel |
When is MPower in 2022-2023?
Stay tuned for more details.
Questions about MPower?
Are you a parent interested in being a part of the MPower committee? We'd love to collaborate with you. Training is provided.
Go to this page to sign up to volunteer.
Contact [email protected] for more information.