Transition to Middle School How Can I Help My Middle Schooler?
Middle school can be a little scary because there are a lot of changes- new building, new teachers and friends, new schedules and LOCKERS! However, there is nothing to worry about because we are here to help. If you are the parent of a soon to be middle schooler here are some things to talk about with your child.
Talk With Your Child About....
I.Concerns and Fears: Talk with your child about anything they might be worried about. Show them how to self advocate in a positive way and how to ask for help if that doesn't work.
II. Phones and Social Media: DRAMA, DRAMA and more DRAMA! Here are some basic topics to talk with your child about when it comes to phones and social media:
1. Following the Rules: talk about your expectations as well as accessing age appropriate sites.
2. Think BEFORE You Post: remind your kids that they won't know who will really see what they post and delete really doesn't mean delete. The post is always somewhere as others pass it along.
3. Privacy Settings: make certain your child has the appropriate privacy settings on their electronics.
4. Kindness Counts: where would we be without it? There are sites which allow your child to tell friends what they think about other kids at school as well as their friends. Best Practice: always be kind and never post what you wouldn't want Mama to see.
5. Parent Controls: monitor what your child is doing on social media. There are many applications that you can download. Just do a google search for "Parent Control Apps For Social Media" and many options will come up.
III. Bullying: IF WE DON'T KNOW WE CAN'T HELP! DPS and SCS have a Zero Tolerance Policy regarding Bullying. All cases of bullying, harassment or inappropriate behavior are investigated and if warranted consequences put into place. Don't wait days or weeks to report bullying or inappropriate behavior- it makes investigating more of a challenge. Talk with your child about asking for help if they are getting bullied or harassed. They need to tell a trusted adult the day it happens. Discuss the difference between snitching (spreading news to cause drama or get attention) and telling (asking for help).
Note: we know it is frustrating but we can't discuss others students and what consequences were put into place.
IV. Making and Keeping Friends: Making and Keeping Friends in Middle School is different than in Elementary School. Kids become more independent while at the same time wanting to be part of the group. Elementary school friendships shift and change as kids explore who they are and who they are in relation to their friends. Talk with your kids about what they expect from their friends, peer pressure and what makes a true friend. Talk to them about how to solve problems, don't spread rumors and gossip- how not to get involved with the drama and cyberbullying- delete does not mean delete. Once something is posted, it is there to stay.
V. A New Bedtime: middle school classes begin at 8:30 am. Kids enter the building by 8:10 am. Buses may be at pick up hubs early, so if your child is used to going to bed late and getting up late then the best time to practice getting up early is during the SUMMER so you won't miss the bus! Please check bus pick up time. Your child should get used to "bedtime for school hours" at least 3 weeks before school starts. Most kids need eight hours of sleep so depending on when the bus comes students should be in bed no later than 9:00pm. Remember to turn off electronics to get the best sleep.
VI. Schedules: in middle school students have four core classes each with one teacher- math, science, language arts, social studies, 2 electives and 1 enrichment class. This means several transitions during the day. ALL schedules have the class, the teachers name and room number. There is always an adult in the hall during transitions so no chance of getting lost. All four core classes are generally next door to each other the exception is English as a Second Language Learners may have to walk to another hall and electives which are on the elective hall, but students are walked there so no chance of getting lost.
VII. Homework and Studying: in middle school there is some homework. Work not finished at school automatically becomes homework. An agenda /planner will help you student stay organized. Access Study Skills from the homepage.
VIII. Organization: speaking of organization... Each student will have a binder with tabs/dividers and note paper or spiral notebooks- one for each class. Do a binder check once a week- Sunday afternoon is a great time to get ready for the new week. If your child has a phone help them get into the habit of using their calendars to add homework and other events in their lives and how to set Alerts so they don't miss anything.
IX. Lockers and Locks: students will be issued a locker and lock after 2 or 3 weeks at school. Students go to lockers twice a day- once in the morning when they come in and once in the afternoon before they go home. backpacks must be stored in your locker. The combination lock can be scary! Teachers will practice combination locks with their classes before issuing lockers. Lockers are usually close you your homeroom.
X. Lunch: lunches are staggered and students will be walked to lunch with their class. Each grade level has their own lunch period and each class has their own lunch time. This year ALL students get free breakfast.
XI. Progress Reports and Report Cards: each come out 4 times a year. Yes, they are sent home. Please contact us ASAP if you see a concern. Check your parent PowerSchool and Canvas accounts to see grades, attendance, assignments, and those which have been turned in, graded or have not been turned in.
