Mr. Tommy Sheppard, M.Ed (counselling)

 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?

But why do you think change is necessary? Let’s face it…change is hard. It really is! “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 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 5 th and 6 th 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 2) Top Ten Tips For Succeeding in Middle School 3) Middle School Survival Guide From a Student

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 de- escalate any stress that is resulting from concerns you may be having! Remember this is an ANONOMOUS activity!