Helping Your Student Transition
From Ellen Ripstad Gadue, Mt. Abe Middle School Principal
Adolescence is full of transitions, and some bring on more anxiety than others. Moving from 6th to 7th grade, or from 8th to 9th grade can be one of those anxiety producing transitions, and at Mt. Abe, it is important to us that we work with families to reduce as much stress around these transitions as we can.
Your student is probably worried about moving to a bigger school, making new friends, meeting new teachers and having more responsibility. It is important to acknowledge with your student the challenges she is facing. Just being heard can greatly reduce stress. Try to figure out what is important to your teen, and communicate with her often about these issues. This will help you to communicate to us any specific needs your student may have. I can also be helpful to share with your teen how you’ve managed different transitions in your life.
Strategies for managing stress are not innate. Your student may need help identifying and using strategies to help ease the transition. Encourage your student to get involved in extracurricular activities or sports. These are wonderful opportunities for teens to develop relationships with both peers and adults and can help ease transition stress.
We also offer several opportunities for students and families to ask questions and get information about the changes that they will be facing. This spring, keep an eye out for important dates and letters from Mt. Abe. For both incoming 7th graders and incoming 9th graders we hold “Meet the Teams” nights. This is an opportunity for you to meet your student’s new teachers and ask questions around curriculum and expectations. Here you will receive information about communicating with the teachers, how to best support your student throughout the year, and who to reach out to for supports if they are needed.
For incoming 7th graders, I will be visiting the elementary schools twice this spring. Starting May 1st, I’ll come during the day to meet with each 6th grade class to present information and provide an opportunity for them to ask questions. With me I’ll have the guidance counselor, Mary Barnett, and a few current MS students. I will also be visiting the elementary schools in April in the evenings to hold parent info nights. This will be an opportunity for parents to meet with me to hear about the new MS model we are developing, and ask any questions they may have about what they can expect as parents of a MS student.
The dates are:
April 28th at Bristol Elementary @ 5:00 pm
April 29th at Beeman Academy @ 5:00 pm
April 30th at Lincoln Community School @ 5:00 pm
May 6th at Robinson Elementary @ 5:00 pm
May 7th at Monkton Elementary @5:00 pm
In the fall before school starts, there will be another parent info night in which we will discuss more nuts and bolts about Mt. Abe Middle School. Also, 7th and 9th grade students will have their first day of school, a half day, on the day before the rest of the students begin. This is an opportunity to run through their schedule, find all their classrooms, and practice with their lockers. We will provide social opportunities as well to help students meet their new classmates in a positive way.
If at any time you have questions or concerns about how your student will successfully transition to Mt. Abe Middle or High School, please don’t hesitate to call or email myself or Mary Barnett. We would be happy to assist in any way we can. It is extremely important to us that students and families feel comfortable during this exciting time.