In fact, many of the student speakers wrote about the personal growth they experienced during their Middle School years. As sixth graders, they were worried about learning their way around a much bigger school, remembering their locker combinations, and whether they'd make friends and fit in with students from two other elementary schools. During sixth, seventh and eighth grades, braces went on and came off, zits and cramps became a part of life, growth spurts seemed to happen overnight, looks and personal style grew in importance, and awkwardness at dances gave way to growing interest in and comfort with friends (even girlfriends and boyfriends) of the opposite sex.
And just when they thought they'd gotten it, another big transition. High School looms ahead. While most of the kids in Billy's class will be going to high school together, some are switching to our district's other high school. Others will be starting private or prep schools. For all of them, there will be new teachers, new coaches, and new hallways to learn their way around. So, what can parents do to ease this big transition?
Experts say the biggest thing schools and parents can provide to transitioning students is information. Tour their new school (not possible in Billy's case - since construction of his future high school isn't yet complete). Let them know what clubs, teams, and other extra-curriculars will be available to them. Get summer reading lists early, so students can prepare over the next eight to ten weeks and not have to cram right before school starts, when their anxiety level is bound to increase. If possible, meet with your child's future teachers and guidance counselor. And my own personal advice - having gone through this transition once already with my older son - don't make this a bigger deal than necessary.
In my experience, the teachers of incoming Freshman are sensitive to their anxiety. They will help guide them through the rough spots. And I feel I can help by emphasizing how much of high-school won't be all that different from middle school. His friends will be there. He already knows how lockers work. He's already practiced some with his future high-school teammates (though if you read my blog from last week, you know that didn't exactly work out all that well), and his middle school teachers are the ones who recommended which courses he should take. I'm sure he'll have some jitters in September. But transitions are a big part of life and I'm sure Billy - and all of next year's Freshman - will handle this one just fine.
For some suggestions on handling the transition to high school, check out these sites:
http://www.publicschoolreview.com/articles/43
http://www.eduguide.org/Students-Library/Talk-about-Middle-School-Transition-2442.aspx
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