Transcript Middle School Transition North Highlands Elementary & Cape

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?
Let’s face it…change is hard. It really is!
But why do you think change is
necessary?
“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
PROCEDURAL CONCERNS
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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
Buy 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.
Getting good grades
Competition for grades
Having more than one teacher
More homework
More long-term projects
Work that is more challenging and requires
more effort
Expectations of teachers in different subject
areas
Basic tasks such as studying, taking notes, and
taking tests
Balance 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!)
Bullies and/or being teased
Making new friends/Finding and connecting with a
peer group
Feeling stupid compared to other kids
Success in sports
Popularity
Being embarrassed by parents in front of other kids
Puberty (pimples, body changes)
Changing before and after P.E. in front of other
kids
Having girlfriends and boyfriends
Having someone to sit with at lunch
Pressure to smoke, drink alcohol, or take drugs
Get 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.
Offer parent workshops and groups
Curriculum articulation -Create schedules for incoming 5th and 6th grade students
based on provincial testing, teacher recommendation and grades.
Student orientation
Letters sent home welcoming students and families, and inviting to school
activities
Mentor and buddy program
School handbook
Parent conferences
Monthly Schedules Provided
Individual counseling – academic, personal/social, career
Group counseling – “Stress Busters”, “Get a Grip”, “GSA”
Classroom guidance presentations;
-Drugs
-Bullying
-Cyber bullying
-Homework
-Personal hygiene -Sexual harassment
-Study skills
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!
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
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 deescalate any stress that is resulting from concerns you may
be having!
Remember this is an ANONOMOUS activity!