Social/Emotional

Parent Tips for Middle School Transition

1. Don't be anxious about your child going to middle school.  Talk about the middle school experience in a positive way!

  Your child is capable of handling middle school.  Empower him or her by letting them know this.

 

2. Help your child develop an organizational strategy. 
3. Designate a study space and set a consistent study time.
4. Buy your child the necessary folders and binders to stay organized.
5. Conduct a weekly clean-up of their binders and backpack.
6. Prepare for the week/day ahead.
7. Provide help and support while your child is learning to become more organized.

 

3. Utilize your middle school's resources.
4. Explore your middle school's website with your child.
5. You will find links to teachers' email addresses.
6. Home Access provides you information on grades and progress.  Be sure to sign up in the front office.

    

4. Talk about social skills.  Talk about traits that make a good friend.  Discuss how words and actions can affect other

  people.  Practice skills needed for difficult social situations.

 

5. Openly communicate with your child.  Keep the lines of communication open between your child and school staff.  Be

  informed, listen and talk to your child.

 

6. Attend parent-teacher nights and other events where you connect with your child's teachers and school staff.

 

7. Encourage your child to get involved in school activities.  Have them join a team, club or other extra-curricular activity.

 

8. Take advantage of opportunities to tour the building.  Attend orientation meetings, meet the teachers night, and

  open house.

 

9. Call the school to confirm dates on school events.  Front office (956)233-3908

Resources for Parents

Kids Health http://www.kidshealth.org     Firstgov.gov: Back to School http://www.firstgov.gov/Topics/Back_to_School.shtml     Buckner Children and Family Services STAR PROGRAM http://www.bucknerchildren.org/riograndevalley/index.asp     Anxiety Disorders Association of America http://www.adaa.org/     WebMD http://www.webmd.com/default.htm     Talking With Kids About Tough Issues http://www.childrennow.org/index.php/learn/talking_with_kids//television/twk-news.html     H.A.R.P.  Hispanic Active Relationships Project http://www.harpcc.com     US Department of Veterans Affairs http://www.va.gov/     USA Government http://www.usa.gov/index.shtml

Student Tips for Middle School Transition

Middle School is a great opportunity to meet new people and begin to explore who you are and what you want to do with the rest of your life.  You are meeting new people, there are more choices and decisions to make.  Instead of being in one classroom with one teacher all day, you now have 6 teachers.  You no longer stay in one classroom; you have to switch for each subject.  Teachers will expect more of you, and your parents will too.  You will be faced with more responsibilities.  Here are a few tips to help you with the middle school transition.  Don't be afraid to ask your teachers, counselors, or staff at your school if you need help.

 

1. Get organized - Use your planner, Use folders and notebooks for each subject, Use different colors for each class, and keep your backpack clean
2. Do your homework - Allot a certain amount of time each day for homework and study.  Don't wait until an assignment is due, start early.  Keep track of your homework assignments.
3. Read your library books.  Reading improves your comprehension.  Accelerated Reader points gives you test points for the Language Arts class.  Accelerated Reader gives you points for prizes at the library.
4. Talk to your teachers - Ask questions.  The teachers are there to help you.  If you do not understand something, ask them. 
5. Get involved in extra-curricular activities, join in - Find things that you enjoy, sports, activities, clubs and get involved.  This is a great way to meet new people and to have fun.
6. Get good grades - If you start to fall behind, catch up.  Turn your homework in on time and ask questions.  Attend tutorials.
7. Stay healthy - Get good nights sleep and eat a good breakfast.
8. Talk to your parents and let them know what is going on.
9. Choose your friends wisely.  Good friends encourage good decisions, give good advice, follow the rules, and make you feel good about yourself.
10. Come to school and have fun.  You can't learn if you are not there.

Activities: 

Student Council

U.I.L. Activities: Calculators, Listening Skills, Number Sense, Maps/Charts/Graphs, Mathematics, Poetry, Prose, Ready Writing, Science, Social Studies, Spanish Poetry, and Spelling

Robotics

One Act Play

FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes)

Chess Club

Book Club

Science Club

Study Tips for Middle School Students

1. Establish a routine
   Set aside a particular time each day for study and revision and stick to it.
2. Create a study environment
   This should be away from interruptions and household noise, such as the television. Ensure there is adequate lighting and ventilation, a comfortable chair and appropriate desk.
3. Set a timetable
   With a timetable you can plan to cover all your subjects in an organized way, allotting the appropriate time for each without becoming overwhelmed.
4. Look after yourself
   Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and eat healthy foods. Keep sugary foods to a minimum. Make sure you get enough sleep each night. Regular physical exercise makes you feel great, boosts your energy and helps you relax. So try to keep up regular sporting activities or at least fit in some regular exercise as often as you can.
5. Reward yourself for studying
   Watch your favorite television program, spend time with your friends, walk to the park and play sport throughout the week.
6. Have variety in your study program
   Study different subjects each day and do different types of work and revision in each study session.
7. Avoid interrupting your concentration
   Have all the appropriate materials with you before you start a session of study to minimise distractions.
8. Test yourself on what you have studied
   Ask your parents or family members to quiz you on what you have learnt, use draft questions from books, past assessments or major exam papers.
9. Don't panic at exam time
   If you have followed a study routine and have been revising your class work, there should be no need to worry. Try to keep yourself calm, positive and confident.
10. Ask your teachers for guidance
    Especially if you're having trouble - whether it's grasping a new concept or understanding something you learnt earlier in the year. They will be happy to help.