1. MIDDLE SCHOOL TRANSITION
January 2017
MIDDLE SCHOOL TRANSITION

2. Changes to look forward to...
Physical Development
Rapid Growth is typical
Puberty
Intellectual Development
Children will ask analytical questions
Attention span wanes to 30 minutes
Emotional Development
Everything is in “crisis”
Mood fluctuation is common
Social Development
Children “copy” their peers
Allegiance is now with friends

3. Rule # 1:
DON’T PANIC!
Rule # 2:
See Rule # 1

4. Our Goals for Tonight:
Familiarize parents and families with West Hartford’s middle school program
&
Provide information to help navigate the transition

5. FUTURE 6TH GRADERS WORRY ABOUT…
Lockers
Getting through crowded halls without getting lost
Having more than one teacher
The lunchroom
Kids being mean
Fitting in/not fitting in
Being embarrassed
CLEAR PATHS. BRIGHT FUTURE. NO LIMITS.

6. Focus Areas Across Schools
Positive School Climate
Character Education
Advisory Program
Where Everyone Belongs (WEB)
An Integrated Team Approach
Community within a community
A Curriculum Based on Adolescent Needs
Inquiry and Exploration (ex. New WL Offering)
CLEAR PATHS. BRIGHT FUTURE. NO LIMITS.

7. CONNECTING EACH CHILD TO OUR SCHOOLS:
Unified Arts
Intramurals
Team Trips and Team-Building
After-School clubs and Activities
Community Involvement
CLEAR PATHS. BRIGHT FUTURE. NO LIMITS.

8. Developmentally Appropriate Structures and Curriculum
Middle School
Developmentally Appropriate Structures and Curriculum
High Expectations for ALL Students
Empowering –Preparing Students for Their Futures
CLEAR PATHS. BRIGHT FUTURE. NO LIMITS.

9. Paradoxes of Parenting People in Puberty

10. “I sound just like my mother or father.”
1. Peers become more influential
, but parents will always be the greatest influence.
2. While you must teach them to look ahead
, few decisions now are life-altering.
3. Young adolescents need opportunities for independence
, but they need boundaries too.
4. Set the bar high
, but don’t be disappointed when they are unable to reach your expectations.
5.. Your children will heed you, they’re just not on the same timetable. One day they too will say . . .
It is important for parents/guardians to understand that their role in their child’s life is NEVER diminished even if you feel like your child is pushing away. Don’t give up on family connection time even when they seemingly want to be with friends more than you.
In the words of Mindy Kaling in her book["Why Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)", “Later, when you're grown up, you realize you never really get to hang out with your family. You pretty much have only eighteen years to spend with them full time, and that's it.”
It’s Middle School
They expect boundaries.
It’s important to have high expectations but it is also important to remember that they may need more supports/scaffolding to reach the bar.
Eventually it clicks.
“I sound just like my mother or father.”
REMEMBER: Parenting is a full-time job. Take breaks to have fun and to listen without judging.

11. Tight Rope

12. WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO HELP THEIR CHILD’S TRANSITION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL?
Stay involved
As much as your children think it’s not cool for you to come to school for PTO or other events, they secretly want you to be here!
Stay Connected
Keep regular tabs on your child to praise, support, or discuss his or her progress. Remember that it is important for them to develop responsibility, resiliency, and ownership for their work and progress.
Establish regular communication with teachers and counselors
Ask questions, keep informed, and solve problems before they grow.
Recognize that teachers, administrators and staff are your partners
We want EVERY student to be happy, successful, and well-prepared for high school and beyond!
CLEAR PATHS. BRIGHT FUTURE. NO LIMITS.

13. TRANSITION TIMELINE AND ACTIVITIES…
Transition Orientation
(Tonight! You have started the process!)
School-Specific Information Nights
Bristow: March 6th & March
King Phillip: March 13th & March
Sedgwick: March 13th & March
Elementary schools visit middle schools (May ‘17)
Counselor meetings with Grade 5 teachers (May ‘17)
Sixth Grade Meet & Greet (Late Summer/Fall ‘17)
Open House (Fall 2017)
CLEAR PATHS. BRIGHT FUTURE. NO LIMITS.

14. General Middle School Q & A
CLEAR PATHS. BRIGHT FUTURE. NO LIMITS.