Hello, Cougar Family!

Welcome to 'Dear Cougar,' the heart of student voices at Carmenita Middle School. This is your safe space to seek advice, share concerns, and find support from your peers. Whether you're navigating friendship changes, school stress, or just need a fresh perspective, our journalism team is here to listen and help our community grow together.

Disclaimer: Dear Cougar offers personal opinions on various subjects. This is not professional advice and the writer is not liable for the results of following this advice. Information shared with us is not confidential and will be shared with the appropriate adults if necessary.

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School Advice

Going across the entire school is harrowing, but remember you’re not the only one experiencing it. The main problems students typically have when they are getting numerous tardies is that they are packing for the next class as soon as the bell rings and they walk really slow. I always start to wrap things up in class 2-3 minutes before the class ends so I’m ready to leave. As for walking slowly, just don’t get distracted by friends or anything of that sort and make your main focus on getting to class on time. I hope this really helps you out, from a past struggling student to another. -Cougar

I understand that you wantto help your friend, butletting them copy your homework could get you both in trouble. Instead,try helping them learn by explaining the work or studying together without giving them the answers. You can tellthem that you can'tletthem copy but you can explain itto them. Ifthey keep asking, be firm, real friends should respect your decision, and this way you’re helping them in a better, more honest way.

Middle school drama over popularity happens a lot, but it's usually just a waste of time. If you want to stop the mean comments without losing your friends, the best move is to be direct but casual. When your friend starts talking behind the other person's back, you can just say you don't agree or that you think she's fine. Most of the time, people only gossip because they want someone to agree with them. If you don't give them that reaction, they’ll eventually move on to a different topic. You don't necessarily need to tell an adult unless the situation is turning into actual bullying, like if they are harassing her online or to her face. If it’s just talk, you can handle it by staying neutral and not joining in. It’s also a good idea to keep hanging out with your other friend so she doesn't feel isolated. You don’t have to bring up the gossip to her, just being a normal friend is enough to show you don't care about the "popularity" stuff.

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"My best friend started hanging out with someone who doesn't like me. What should I do?"

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I'm having a lot of problems adjusting to middle school. There is so much more work than what we had in elementary school. Also, it is so hard to get to my classes. I have to go all the way across the school to get to my next class. I keep getting marked tardy. What can I do?

Testing anxiety is ruining my grades. Any tips?"

"I made a big mistake in a group project. My team is mad. How do I fix it?"

I have a friend who keeps asking me to letthem copy my homework. I don't wantto get into trouble, butI also don't want my friend to get a bad grade. What should I do?

"I feel like my friend group is changing and I'm being left behind. How do I handle this without causing drama?"

I have a problem, I have a friend who has been saying mean things about one of my other friends just because she’s anti-social and not popular. I don’t know what to do. Should I tell someone because i don’t want to lose my friends. please help me. thank you for you time.

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