Smooth Operator: Transitioning Your Child to Middle School Hayfield Middle School Student Services Department

Goals/Objectives : To obtain general information about Hayfield daily routines Reduce your level of anxiety about the middle school transition Provide information and resources to make the transition successful

Principal Associate Principal Mr. Grimm Mr. Miller Director of Student Services Ms. Aiello

Fairfax Hall Subschool Principal: Ms. Cashman Administrative Assistant: Ms. Morningstar School Counselors: Ms. Girón & Mr. Dodson Jefferson Hall Subschool Principal: Ms. Ritchie Administrative Assistant: Ms. Sparks School Counselors: Ms. Brussel & Ms. Hattan

Hayfield Middle School Student Services Mr. Dodson Ms. Girón Ms. Brussel Ms. Hattan Ms. Aiello

Moving to Middle School Elementary FormatMiddle School Format One teacher Seven teachers Grades: 4, 3, 2,1 Grades: A, B, C… Smaller class sizes Sub School concept Cubbies Lockers (60’ tall x 12” wide x 11” deep with a shelf and a hook) More friends, less peer pressure Larger School Recess/Snack time Earlier School Day Less Homework More freedom AND more responsibility

Bell Schedule WHITE DAY SCHEDULE Period 2 7:20 - 8:48 Period 4 8: :18 (Intervention/Enrichment) DEAR Time8:54-9:18 SOAR Time 9:24-10:18 Period 6 10:24 – 10:53 Lunch 10: :23 Period 6 11:27- 12:33 Period 8 12:39 - 2:05 Period 6 12:36 - 2:05 ORANGE DAY SCHEDULE Period 1 7:20 - 8:48 Period 3 8: :18 Period 5 10:24 – 10:53 Lunch 10: :23 Period 5 11: :33 Period 7 12:39 - 2:05

What is SOAR Time? A method of providing targeted intervention, remediation, and enrichment to our students. Students selected by name and by need are assigned to a Math or English teacher based upon documented assessment data. All other students are assigned to teachers to strengthen organization and study skills, work on assignments, and make up missing work. SOAR classes are reviewed and updated at the end of each quarter in order to foster academic success.

What classes will your child have? Math Science History English Physical Education/Health 2 class periods with electives

Health and Physical Education Uniforms Lockers Health

Web Information Home PageMiddle School Student Services

Thinking about Middle School… One thing I still have a question about in my child’s transition to middle school is ….

Have you noticed…??? Your refrigerator is empty these days? Your child is moody for no good reason? Your child is ALWAYS on the phone or texting? Your child knows everything? If you can answer yes to at least one of these you have a rising 7 th grader living under your roof!

Helpful Hints to Address the “ Tween ” Transition 1.Define your expectations clearly. 2. Establish relevant consequences. 3. Be consistent and follow through. 4. Applaud even small efforts. 5. Be present. 6. Live your values.

Protective Factors that Contribute to Resiliency and a Healthy Transition Avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs Consistent home/family routine Parental/familial support High monitoring of youth’s activities Regular school attendance Good social support system Availability of constructive recreation Feeling close to at least one adult

Tips for Reducing Student Anxiety Visit Hayfield Secondary Practice using a combination lock Form realistic expectations of middle school Designate a study zone Go to Hayfield’s website Visit a sporting event or school performance

Tips to Reduce Parental Anxiety Increase your knowledge of adolescent development Be upbeat about what lies ahead Recognize your apprehensions Hold your child accountable Pick your battles Visit the school with your child Allow yourself the freedom to make mistakes Jackson, McKinnan, and Wilson (2006)

Typical Adolescent Development Early adolescence (ages 11 to 16) Physical changes Physical, emotional, & developmental changes Understand the changes and the resulting behaviors Peers and social groups will become the focus of your adolescent's life Preoccupation with discovering where they fit into the social environment Explore boundaries and experiment with new independence - Don’t over react, remain approachable so your child will realize you are supportive. KEEP LINES OF COMMUNICATION OPEN

Set Yourself Up for Success: Continue to Stay Involved Research finding indicate the following when parents are involved: Higher grades, test scores, and graduation Better school attendance Increased motivation Better self-esteem Lower rates of suspension Decreased use of drugs and alcohol Fewer instances of violent behavior Great enrollment rates in post-secondary education (Ford, Coabley, Crenshaw, DelAunter & Issacs, 2006)

How to Stay Involved Join the PTSA; attend meetings, activities and/or programs Contact Hayfield to look at volunteering Check your child’s agenda or blackboard regularly Read your child’s syllabus for each class Advisory Council Get to know your child’s friends and parents Communicate with your child’s teachers * Be proactive Communicate with your child daily; ask them how their day went

Hayfield’s Tools for Success Math Lab – all Math teachers available after school for help with class assignments or homework (weekly on late bus day) 3 late bus days a week – available for students who need to stay after school for support from their teachers or club participation Blackboard Club Orange Support classes – based on grades, test scores, IEPs, and referrals Parent Liaisons Use of Planner

Student Transition Resource:

Student and Parent Panel Q’s and A’s

Upcoming Important Dates Early May Course Selections mailed home May 29, last day to make changes to course selections June 8-12, Elementary Schools tour Hayfield Secondary August 27, Hawk Flight – Summer 2015 – New Student Orientation JUMPSTART/SELT

Questions & Answers Thank you for coming!!!