Moving into RMHS cluster

[Anonymous]

Moving from out of state. My kid will be in 10th and will start at the end of Jan. He’s introverted, not athletic, musical, or artistic. Large crowds overwhelm him. He just needs to find 2-3 kids to say hello and eat lunch with.

I know RM is a big school. I’m concerned about him getting lost —not physically but just shrinking into the background.

Any suggestions for making a switch to a new HS easier?

[Anonymous]

I have no experience with a mid-year move and my kids attend/attended Wootton but I wonder if the school can pair him up with another student to greet them on day 1 and have lunch. I would assume the counseling office has a sense of which kids are friendly and inclusive. I know my son would love to be asked to do this.

[Anonymous]

My kids both had good experiences at RM. It is a big place but hopefully he will find a club to join. Everyone has the same lunch periods so that is when many clubs meet. It is easy to try one of interest.

Welcome to the neighborhood. We love living in Rockville.

[Anonymous]

Talk to the counselor they can help. Find a club to join.

[Anonymous]

You told us what he’s not into, but what is he into?

I also doubt counselors in HS can help like they can in elementary school. My kids and their friends say they counselors are not empathetic and seem to be solely for scheduling and college stuff, not actual counseling.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You told us what he’s not into, but what is he into?

I also doubt counselors in HS can help like they can in elementary school. My kids and their friends say they counselors are not empathetic and seem to be solely for scheduling and college stuff, not actual counseling.

I thought this as well until a friends child had some real issues. The counselors were very involved in her care as she transitioned back to school. I will admit they are not just sitting their waiting to help a kid who broke up with their BF or GF

[Anonymous]

My DCs are at RMHS. They are both in athletics, which is their primary friend group. I think joining a club would be a good way to meet kids with similar interests. Here is the club website:

https://sites.google.com/mcpsmd.net/rm-extracurricular-activities/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You told us what he’s not into, but what is he into?

I also doubt counselors in HS can help like they can in elementary school. My kids and their friends say they counselors are not empathetic and seem to be solely for scheduling and college stuff, not actual counseling.

He's really not into anything. He's on the spectrum. He has a few friends and just likes to observe. Yes, ECs are going to be difficult for college apps but it's not a hill I'm willing to die on.

[Anonymous]

I’m sure there’s a plenty full of clubs at RM. My son was introverted too, but at the last 2 years of his high school life he started to join more clubs. He didn’t play any sports but he loves the environment of the clubs at RM.

Talk to your kids counselor by the time you get to the school.

[Anonymous]

Starting at the end of January is good timing because everyone's schedules will be new for the second semester. Many kids will be getting to know new classmates.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You told us what he’s not into, but what is he into?

I also doubt counselors in HS can help like they can in elementary school. My kids and their friends say they counselors are not empathetic and seem to be solely for scheduling and college stuff, not actual counseling.

He's really not into anything. He's on the spectrum. He has a few friends and just likes to observe. Yes, ECs are going to be difficult for college apps but it's not a hill I'm willing to die on.

I don't think anyone is suggesting ECs for college applications, but rather because that's how kids get to know each other in a high school the size of RM. Is he interested in literally anything at all? DnD? Composting? Bocce Ball?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You told us what he’s not into, but what is he into?

I also doubt counselors in HS can help like they can in elementary school. My kids and their friends say they counselors are not empathetic and seem to be solely for scheduling and college stuff, not actual counseling.

We help with this very thing all the time 🙂

[Anonymous]

Hard to move in the middle of HS (January of sophomore year) for any kid, no matter what size or social skills level. Good luck

[Anonymous]

Mcos runs semester classes so there will be a big schedule switch mid January..new classes and new teachers. Find out when the second semester starts and enroll then.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You told us what he’s not into, but what is he into?

I also doubt counselors in HS can help like they can in elementary school. My kids and their friends say they counselors are not empathetic and seem to be solely for scheduling and college stuff, not actual counseling.

The counselors at RM absolutely help with this. They sponsor a newcomers club for kids new to RM/Rockville. Another good way to meet some people is to get involved in a volunteer project through counseling.

When you enroll, ask the counselor to send an email to teachers that your child is new (it won’t be obvious at the semester change). Teachers can help with integration in groups in class to meet people (icebreakers/searing).

Also, RM has open lunch (kids can leave) and a somewhat small cafeteria. Most interest clubs meet at lunchtime in the sponsor classrooms. A lot of kids pack their lunch rather than get it at the cafeteria.