TRANSITION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL What do I need to know about middle school? Growth and Development Tips for Parents

GOALS OF MIDDLE SCHOOL MODEL (ITS NOT A JR. HIGH) - In contrast to junior high – middle schools promote age appropriate development by: More student centered – team teaching, core expectations, curriculum Exploratory wheel of classes vs. high school elective choices Flexible scheduling – no bells – long block/short block/intervention (organizational support) Emphasize affective and cognitive development of students- spark, positive behavior support, rewards/school store, impulse control, sports, clubs, community service recommendations Support the VERY COMMON- self esteem dip/academic pressure/drama/temptation/rejection WAYS PARENTS CAN HELP - Educate yourself on the differences today and try not to project your experience on your child and your child’s school

6 TH GRADE DAILY SCHEDULE All Teams 8:20 -11:00 CORE 11:00 -11:30 LUNCH 11: :15 ENCORE 12:15 12:45 ENCORE 1:00-1:50 CORE 1:50 – 2:35INTERVENTION/SPANISH 2:35- 3:20 INTERVENTION/SPANISH Explanations of Classes CORE – Math/Science/Language Arts/History INTERVENTION – Student specific needs ENCORE – “Specials” 1 choice class is Band EXPLORATORY ENCORES- PE/ Shop/Art/Technology/Health & Personal Finance/Performing Arts (music)

BECOME FAMILIAR WITH THESE PROGRAMS

PHYSICAL EMOTIONAL Rapid/irregular growth Puppy Syndrome- awkward/uncoordinated movements (nose, ears, arms – huge) Restlessness and fatigue due to hormones Need daily physical activity due to increased energy Prefer junk food need good nutrition Lack physical fitness/poor levels of endurance, strength and flexibility Physically vulnerable due to poor health habits Risky experimentation MOOD SWINGS – INTENSITY AND UNPREDICTABILITY Meaningless outbursts of activity Seeking independence – searching for adult identity and acceptance Highly sensitive to personal criticism Intensely concerned about profound physical changes BELIEVE PERSONAL PROBLEMS,FEELINGS,AND EXPERIENCES ARE UNIQUE TO THEMSELVES Increasingly drawn to sex role identification Concerned with societal issues as personal value systems develop (hunger, poverty, war, recycle)

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT/PRIORITIES  Strong need to belong to peer group with peer approval (adult approval decreases)  Need to model behaviors after non-parent adults  New slang and identities tried and discarded at later date  Often intimidated and frightened by first middle level experience due to size of building etc.  Like fads – especially those shunned by adults  Overreact to ridicule, embarrassment, and rejection  Must adjust to early maturing girls and athletic success of early maturing boys while maturing at a slower rate  Desire recognition for efforts and achievements

STORM AND STRESS!!!!! – HOW DO I PARENT? Up until now our primary role has been protection from harm and possible poor choices. NOW WE MUST SHIFT TO PREPARATORY mind set and let them learn as many lessons as possible in middle school and not fear the “Permanent Record” - Two most important points 6 th grade teachers note on transition to middle school: 1.Have a time once a week where you and child review the planner/assignments/Infinite Campus and map out a plan for homework time 2.Consider the school calendar in planning trips as many students exhibit anxiety.

WHAT IS GREAT ABOUT MIDDLE SCHOOL KIDS…. Who your child is isn’t defined by his behavior.  What is my middle child learning?  What positive things can she do now that she wasn’t able to do a year or two ago?  What are the positive traits he exhibits with his friends? Is he loyal? Humorous? Helpful?  Remember – The severity of the feeling is out of line with the problem. 24hrs a day/7 days a week/365 days a year

TIPS FROM MIDDLE SCHOOL KIDS TO PARENTS What I am trying to get you to understand…… Friends are really important to me. Help me balance the need to make time for friends and family. Teach me how to make choices and accept consequences. Hold me accountable even when I try to get out of something. I like my privacy at home. Help me learn how to earn your respect at home so I in turn can feel respected. I like consistency even though I don’t admit it. Too much freedom without consequences leads to trouble. I appreciate having a list of things to do and a deadline for completing them. Continued nagging or never-ending list of tasks bug me. Please don’t choose my extracurricular activities for me or push me to participate in an activity when I am clearly not interested. Lets try to avoid arguing about school. If you want A’s and B’s tell me. “Give your best effort” is a set up for disaster. Tell me what you expect. When I’m feeling down, give me some time and space to sort out my emotions. Let me know that you will be ready to listen when I am ready to talk. I am beginning to notice my appearance more than I did in the past. Please don’t comment on how I look, especially in public or around my friends – it’s embarrassing.

CHANGE THE VOCABULARY – OMIT “YOU” AND LET THEM TALK “I” statements with feeling words “I feel concerned about teeth brushing.” “You don’t seem to be brushing your teeth.” “I’m confused about why homework isn’t getting turned in on time.” “You aren’t taking responsibility for your homework.” “I feel bewildered about what you just said.” “You are lying to me.” “Tell Me More” “I really want a belly button piercing just like Mary.” “ABSOLUTLEY NOT” changes to “Tell me more about your thinking”  Hugging a porcupine isn’t easy. Avoid “rising to the bait.”

NEED SOME SUMMER READING? ROSALIND WISEMAN-PARENTING EDUCATOR

6 th grade check in – Friday, August 21, 2015  10:30 am -12 noon A-L – 12:30 pm-2pm M-Z  School Pictures  Immunizations provided by VNA  Sign up for Infinite Campus Parent Portal- access grades/absences/discipline  Science Camp info  Fees – access and complete form on SSMS website to speed up process  Pick up class schedule and locker assignments/ deposit school supplies in lockers  *PROVIDE AN ADDRESS FOR RECEIVING WEEKLY NOTIFICATIONS FROM SSMS OFFICE*  SPORTS for 6 th graders- NORDIC/TRACK/WRESTLING/CHEERLEADING