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Middle School Transition

North Highlands Elementary & Cape Smokey Elementary to CABOT!!!

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES!

Reduce your level of anxiety about the middle school transition

Give you information, tools and resources to make the transition successful

Inform you about transition activities

It is perfectly normal for you to be nervous about starting middle school!!!

“The transition to middle school may be one of the toughest transitions during childhood, for both parents and kids” (Brown, 2004).

But when does ANXIETY become a problem?

But why do you think change is necessary?

Let’s face it…change is hard. It really is!

“A tree can choose not to bend in the wind. Eventually, though, conditions will produce winds strong enough to break the tree if continues not to bend.” Anonymous

Common Concerns of Students Transitioning to Middle SchoolPROCEDURAL CONCERNS

Getting lost or finding classes Finding and opening the locker Finding the bathroom Not knowing the school rules Carrying around all those books Going from class to class without being late Bringing the right materials to the right class at the right

time Traveling longer distances to school Eating in a larger cafeteria

Procedural Concerns:

What You Can DoBuy a combination lock before school and spend time trying to open the lock.

(We will be working on combination locks several times throughout this year to help prepare you)

Go to the school two or three days before school starts and get a copy of your schedule. Take a few minutes to walk from room to room.

(We will be having an orientation day at Cabot to help you become familiar with the building)

Don’t buy backpacks that can store 50 pounds of materials. Smaller backpacks allow for better organization!!

(If you are unable to obtain a proper size school bag you can come see me. I may be able to help!)

School Rules will be clearly stated by administration and teaching staff during orientation and also during the first few weeks of school.

Academic Concerns

Getting good gradesCompetition for gradesHaving more than one teacherMore homeworkMore long-term projectsWork that is more challenging and

requires more effortExpectations of teachers in different

subject areasBasic tasks such as studying, taking

notes, and taking tests

Academic Concerns:

What You Can DoBalance school work and play time

Get help with homework when needed (Ask your teacher, parents or me your guidance counsellor for help! Everyone needs help sometime!)

Set high but reachable expectations for yourself

Try Your Best!! That is all anyone can ask for. (Trust me! Effort is just as important as the outcome!)

Social/Emotional ConcernsBullies and/or being teasedMaking new friends/Finding and connecting

with a peer groupFeeling stupid compared to other kidsSuccess in sportsPopularityBeing embarrassed by parents in front of other

kidsPuberty (pimples, body changes)Changing before and after P.E. in front of other

kidsHaving girlfriends and boyfriendsHaving someone to sit with at lunchPressure to smoke, drink alcohol, or take drugs

Social/Emotional Concerns:

What You Can DoGet Involved in School Activities!Be Yourself!Keep an open communication with your

loved ones! Make regular appointments with me

(your guidance counsellor) if needed, or come to see me when an issue arises that you need help with!

(COURAGE is not being afraid to ask for help.)

Remember the GOLDEN RULE! Then everything else will fall into place.

TRANSITION ACTIVITIES

PROVIDED AT CABOT

Offer parent workshops and groupsCurriculum articulation -Create schedules for incoming 5th and 6th grade

students based on provincial testing, teacher recommendation and grades.Student orientationLetters sent home welcoming students and families, and inviting to school

activitiesMentor and buddy programSchool handbookParent conferencesMonthly Schedules Provided Individual counseling – academic, personal/social, careerGroup counseling – “Stress Busters”, “Get a Grip”, “GSA”Classroom guidance presentations;

-Drugs -Bullying

-Cyber bullying -Homework

-Personal hygiene -Sexual harassment

-Study skills

Class Activity!What are some POSITIVE

aspects of the upcoming transition from elementary to middle school?

What are some NEGATIVE aspects of the upcoming transition from elementary to middle school?

REMEMBER TO RAISE YOUR HAND!

Videos!

1) Three Common Fears Entering Middle School

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QePyzXYJr44

2) Top Ten Tips For Succeeding in Middle School

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=riKfkQjSr4w

3) Middle School Survival Guide From a Student

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gO0-XwKyJ4Y

Confidential Activity

Take 5 minutes to write down “ANONOMOUSLY” some concerns or questions you may have about the upcoming transition to CABOT on the sheet provided!

I will try my best to answer these questions and help de-escalate any stress that is resulting from concerns you may be having!

Remember this is an ANONOMOUS activity!