Tween going from private to public for middle school - what does she need to know?
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Anonymous
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We are moving to public for the first time, for 6th grade and probably through hs.
What sort of things should she know? What should WE know, as her parents? What are the major differences, besides not wearing a school uniform? |
Anonymous
| No jeans allowed, only athletic wear. Probably only a clear backpack. Keep her eyes to herself, preferably on the floor. Learn how to hold it, so she doesn't have to use the restrooms. |
Anonymous
Mine wear jeans and regular backpacks. The bathroom thing is an issue. |
Anonymous
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what is wrong with using the bathroom?
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Anonymous
Some publics, especially large ones lock them due to drugs, sex, vaping, rapes, violence. |
Anonymous
And if they don't, you run the risk of all of the above. |
Anonymous
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It would be helpful if you can name the school district - you might get more useful information. I don't understand the thing about the bathrooms. My kids, one in MS and one in HS, attend large, diverse public schools and have never had any issue using the bathrooms at their schools.
In general, be prepared for a less personalized experience. Class sizes are probably bigger, kids are expected to be largely independent and there is not a lot of communication with parents. Help them be on top of whatever technology is used (Canvas, Google Classroom, etc). At my kid's MS everyone uses one of those large, zipper 3 ringed binders so they can keep notes and papers for all of their classes in one place. |
Anonymous
| Probably depends upon which school she’s going to. |
Anonymous
| Learn the late work/retest policy early. Kids who master this really use it to their advantage. |
Anonymous
for middle school?!!! |
Anonymous
this is fantastic advice. thank you! |
Anonymous
Yes, I anticipate that we are not going to get regular communication from the teachers (at this time we get daily emails from teacher and weekly from head of school). I think it will help her become more independent. At this time she is on the honor roll. I'm not sure if public school will be harder or easier. But I do expect her grades to fluctuate based on new environment. |
Anonymous
What? My kid is at an MCPS middle school in Bethesda and they have a regular backpack, can wear jeans, and use the restroom - so I guess it depends! |
Anonymous
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Math make sure those skills are top-notch.
Ie tutor the summer before if not. Grab the previous year's curriculum and whichever class your child is scheduled for ask a tutor to assess whether the child is ready and if not fill in the holes. This would be for any private. Usually not more than a couple of sessions. And you need to know what level of math your child is ready for. OP if you are coming from a religious private then just keep on top of Science as 6th grade rolls around you should be fine with where these schools lack besides math. Otherwise, the transition should be easy 6th grade all the kids are new so they all learn how to change classes etc together and public schools do a good job with this. Please ignore the trolls on this board. You are doing a great thing. My youngest did this from a small private to MCPS large MS they graduated from HS off to MIT, just a few years ago. Socially they will have to navigate on their own. Be prepared for girls to be obnoxious but that is not exclusive to private. Confidence is key keep working on that. So many kids do this and people move your child will not be the only one entering 6th grade that went to private before. It is a good time to do this. For one of mine I waiting til 8th grade and honestly what a waste of money. Public was beyond better. My kids lean math and science hence for us it was a huge win. DCUM is going to flame me for this but if you can afford it just make sure she has a few outfits that are current style. Nothing expensive just not babyish that kids can get away with in elementary school. Nike, Adidas, Lulu, I'm not up on that set for my kids it was Pac Sun Abercrombie, Hollister, Nike, etc... Again does not have to be expensive, and not crop tops either just teen bopper LOL Review your school's website make sure you look at the calendar and understand how the grading report system works. Again I am in MCPS. Please do not worry believe me you are doing the right thing your child will be better than fine. |
Anonymous
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She needs to learn how to advocate for herself. If she doesn't like her schedule, how to e-mail to counselor. If she turned in an assignment that is missing, how to e-mail the teacher.
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