Welcome to my advice column. If you have a concern or question or just need advice swing by the office and drop a note in the big box or email me at ms.knowitall131@gmail.com . – Here are some questions I’ve already received. Read below:
Dear Ms. Know it all,
Why aren’t there a lot of electives at M.S. 131?
-Beepbop
Dear Beepbop,
Electives are typically for high school and college, after all of your core classes (classes you must take) are completed. Are you referring to the arts classes we have here (music, dance, and art?) What other classes would you like to have? Let me know in another response and maybe we can see what we can do! In the meantime, check out all the cool after-school clubs the YMCA has. There is something for everyone! Everything from Green Team to Art club to basketball and track!
Dear Ms. Know-It-all,
I’m concerned the students from the high school will steal my money!
-Juniper
Dear Juniper,
The best advice I can give you is to either to bring it with you or to lock it up in your locker. If you don’t have a lock then go to the far back of the locker room and put it in there and hide it. Otherwise, I would suggest to keep your money with you at all times in your pocket zipped up or even in your shoes … just somewhere safe as long as you have it on you 😀
Dear Ms. know-It-All,
Why are the girls bathroom stalls so broken?
-Anonymous
Dear anonymous,
Do I look like a maintenance person to you?…. I’m playing but honestly I’m not sure whats up with the stalls. Maybe talk to Mr. Geballe because I don’t know.
Dear Ms. Know-It-All,
Can we eat in class? (only little snacks?)
-Anonymous
Dear Anonymous (with the help of a teacher),
We are going to say no for a few reasons. Firstly and obviously, having small snacks would be a distraction and take your focus away from work. Secondly, it would not be fair (and also a distraction) if someone doesn’t bring in a snack. Thirdly, snacks make a big mess and create a lot of waste. If you’re super hungry, try to wait until lunch, or try to eat before school as well.
Dear Ms. Know-it-All,
Why do we have so little time to put our stuff in our lockers? We only get about five minutes to go upstairs and then run back down to class?
-Someone from 701
Dear Someone from 701,
You should go to school earlier so you have time to go upstairs to your locker and time to go downstairs to the commons. School starts around 8:20 a.m. Try getting in about 25 to 30 minutes earlier so that you get in around 7:50 to 7:40 a.m. Good luck!
Dear Ms. Know-it-All,
Why does school not make sense sometimes?
-anonymous
Dear anonymous.
Hopefully you aren’t referring to all classes! It’s totally normal to sometimes experience brain fog in a class or two. Maybe you zoned out for a little while and missed part of the lesson. Everything your teacher says is important. If the teacher asks what you learned in the last 5 minutes and you were not paying attention, it won’t make sense. Also remember, if anything is confusing you, ask your teacher! Guaranteed, you will feel better if things taught to you make sense. Some topics will always feel a little unnatural or confusing but as long as you try your best and remember to ask teachers for clarifications, then you’ve done your best.
Dear Ms. Know-it-All, Can we have class pets?
-Tiffany Mai Soz
Dear Ms. Know-it-All, Can we get a support dog? PLEASE!
–Yuri
Dear Tiffany Mai Soz and Yuri,
No (just my opinion). Some kids may be allergic to the pet. People are allergic to dogs. How will the pet be shared? Is the pet only in 1 class like only in math or will it be only for 1 class like 602? The pet may be a big distraction from learning. The pet will make noises like barking or meowing or squeaking. Does most of your class look at someone coming through the door when you are in class? Then your class will probably look at the pet when it makes a noise.
Dear Ms. Know-it-All,
If my crush acts like he hates me but is also caring sometimes what’s happening? Does he really hate me?
–Heart- Ached
Dear Heart-Ached,
It is highly doubtful that your crush hates you. I think he likes you, or he is confused and not sure what to do. I wouldn’t take it too personally.
Dear Ms. Know-It-All,
I’m addicted to my phone. It gets in the way of homework and hanging out with my friends. Any tips on how to get rid of my phone obsession?
From,
A phone addict
Dear Phone Addict,
I think that you should leave your phone at home every other day so you can minimize the use of your phone or you can just throw it away… nah. I’m just playing but you should try setting a timer so you can limit yourself. Sincerely,
Ms. Know-It-All
Dear Ms.Know-It-All,
I have a friend who makes me feel bad about myself. She makes fun of what I wear, and the way I say certain words. We’ve been friends FOREVER. Is it time I drop her as a friend? Or is there another way to tell her that she’s mean and ask her not to make fun of me? I’m sick of feeling bad about myself around her.
-Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
I think it depends. If she’s been doing this for a long time and you’ve been giving her chances, you should stop. Slowly start to cut her off and distance yourself. But if she’s really your friend, she would have listened to you the first time. If you still want to be her friend, talk to her about it. If she changes her behavior, then good. If not, drop her and find your real friends.
xoxo,
Ms. Know It All
Dear Ms. Know-It-All,
I am worried that my money might get lost or stolen, what should I do?
-Paranoid Person
Dear Paranoid Person,
The best way to keep your money safe is to have it in your pocket or hide it/keep it in your locker. That way, you don’t have to worry about anybody taking your money. Another way you can avoid getting your money stolen is to not let anybody know that you have money in the first place. Peace,
Ms. Know It All
Dear Ms. Know-It-All,
I am always LATE. My teachers get at me. I can’t seem to get my stuff from my locker and get to class on time. I don’t want to keep getting detention. How do I get to class on time? Sincerely, Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
I think that you should move your locker closer to your classes. Or you should visit your locker before and after lunch and before and after school, if you don’t want to be late for class. You can also wake up earlier so you can get here earlier, so you can get prepared. Don’t worry though, you’re going to get more settled into the school year. You’re going to get used to going to your locker and never be late. Sincerely,
Ms. Know It All
Hi Ms. Know-It-All,
I HATE middle school 😦 . I used to be so confident but it seems like everyone’s changing but me. Also, we have so much more work than in 5th grade. People are also complex. I don’t fit in anywhere. Do you have any advice on how to make middle school fun and more enjoyable? -Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,
I also hate middle school ⍨. I do know that middle school is more fun and enjoyable if you find the right group of friends. I also think that you should join clubs and after-school activities because then you might find a place you fit in. It might also help if you talk to your circle teacher or any adult you feel comfortable sharing with so you can discuss how you feel. ♡＾▽＾♡ Sincerely,
Ms. Know-It-All
Dear Ms. Know-It-All, How do I keep students from running in the hallway? -A curious Principal- rhymes with Mr. Duball
Dear Curious Principal, Thank you for writing in. We are so happy to hear from you here at the journalism club! Speaking for myself, I don’t run in the halls, but I know that many students do. I hate to say this but I don’t think there is any way to stop these runners, though they seem to be calmer when the principal is sitting in the hallway. I understand the principal can’t sit in the hallway all the time though. What are the current consequences you give to these runners? Maybe consequences aren’t working and it’s time to switch up the penalties. Perhaps you also want to bring in incentives. I’m not sure what your students might like to be rewarded with, but just an idea. Maybe you want to poll them. I hope this has helped! Sincerely, Ms. Know-it-All
Middle School 101 at 131 