1. Thriving in Middle School
Tips For Parents
Mr. D
Swansboro Elementary School

2. Preparing for Middle School
Transitioning from elementary to middle school brings many questions and concerns for both parents and students.
Moving up to middle school can be scary and exciting. Parents can help their preteens prepare for this monumental transition by:
gathering information
staying involved in their child’s education.

3. Your Middle School Vision
School Memories Student Expectations Parent Expectations School Expectations

4. Middle School Student Development
Physical Growth
New Hormones
Concrete to Abstract thinking
New Relationships
Self Concept
Attitudes & Values

5. School Concerns The building The Schedule Teachers Other Students
Friends
Popularity
Homework

6. Worries that students have…
1. Opening the locker 2. Getting lost or finding classes 3. Making good grades 4. Bullies and/or being teased 5. Making new friends 6. Having more than one teacher 7. Finding the restroom

7. More worries…
8. Not knowing the school rules 9. Carrying around all those books 10. Feeling stupid compared to other kids 11. Being embarrassed by parents in front of other kids 12. Puberty (pimples, body changes) 13. Changing before and after P.E. in front of other kids 13. Going from class to class without being late 14. Having girlfriends or boyfriends 15. Having a friend to sit with at lunch

8. What Can You Do? Help them set goals Ask questions Listen Closely
Academic, Sports, Personal
Ask questions
What are you most excited about?
How can I help the most?
Listen Closely
Listen without giving advice
Ask if they want advice
Reinforce the positive
Anything!

9. What Can You Do? Cont…. Encourage reading Promote physical activity
Limit computer, T.V. & video games
Celebrate hard work
Communicate expectations
Review your child’s academic progress with your child every 4 ½ weeks.

10. What does SBES do? “Transition to Middle School” lessons:
Making friends
Time management
Navigating new spaces
Lockers
Taking on new responsibilities
Review of elective choices in class
Tour of Swansboro Middle / New Bridge

11. What does the Middle School Do?
Open House/School Tours
Presentation at Swansboro Middle School

12. School to Home
Afterschool Routine: Create schedule for homework, dinner, sleep, etc. ORGANIZATION Set goals for the year Homework: Facilitate rather than Complete Continue to designate family time together

13. With your support, your child will
You can do this!
Enrolling your child in middle school is scary. It’s a bigger school. Your child will go from being one of the oldest kids in school to being one of the youngest. The homework load will probably increase. The pace will speed up. The good news? Your child is ready.
With your support, your child will
rise to the challenge.

14. Q & A / Resources Questions? Websites:

15. Contact Info
Kevin Dick – “Mr. D”
Thank you for coming!!!