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

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

3. Principal Mr. Tremaine Director of Student Services Ms. Aiello

4. Fairfax Hall 7 th Grade Subschool Principal-Ms. Cashman Administrative-Assistant Ms. Morningstar School Counselors-Ms. Anderson & Mr. Dodson

5. Hayfield Middle School Student Services Ms. Anderson Mr. Dodson Ms. Brussel Ms. Rodriguez-Lee Ms. Aiello

6. Parents stuck on an escalator http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrSUe_m19FY Think, Pair & Share: As Parents of a middle school student you might feel like the people who were stuck on the escalator and you may not be sure of what to do. “ How do you see your role as a parent changing as your student transitions to Hayfield Middle School?”

7. Moving to Middle School Elementary Format One teacher Grades: 4,3,2… Smaller class sizes Cubbies More friends, less peer pressure Recess/snack time Less homework Middle school Format 7 Teachers Grades: A, B, C…. Sub school concept Lockers Larger school Earlier school day More freedom AND more responsibility

8. Bell Schedule WHITE DAY SCHEDULE Period 2 7:20 - 8:48 Period 4 8:54 - 9:41 (Hawk Time A) Period 4 9:47-10:18 (Hawk Time B) Period 6 10:24 – 10:53 Lunch 10:53 - 11:23 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 8:54 - 10:18 Period 5 10:24 – 10:53 Lunch 10:53 - 11:23 Period 5 11:27 - 12:33 Period 7 12:39 - 2:05

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

10. Think, Pair, Share One thing I am most anxious about my student transitioning to middle school is ….

11. 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!

12. 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.

13. 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

14. 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)

15. 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

16. 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)

17. 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

18. Health and Physical Education Uniforms Lockers Health

19. 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 for support from their teachers or club participation Blackboard Club Orange Support classes – based on grades, test scores, IEPs, and referrals Parent Liaisons

20. Student Transition Resource: http://pbskids.org/itsmylife/school/middleschool/

21. All of our students need a little support at the beginning of the year….. http://www.jest.com/video/1279/baby-squirrel-needs-a-little-help- getting-up-the-wall

22. Questions? Thank you for coming