What helped your kid with transition to high school?
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Anonymous
| Question in title. Any ideas to help transisition to high school in MCPS from a MCPS middle school? |
Anonymous
|
Take advantage of all the official visit or orientation days, and perhaps do extra visits if possible. The sheer size of the building is intimidating, and learning to navigate it is the first culture shock.
One of my kids was bused in 8th grade to her high school for first period, and also played her middle school concerts in the high school's auditorium, and honestly it made a huge difference compared to my other kid, who was parachuted into the building in 9th for the first time. Also, if your kid took advanced classes in 8th, then it will help with academic expectations for 9th. Maybe brush up on math and history/civics facts over the summer if they're taking harder math and AP Gov or APUSH in 9th. They should know how to use a planner, paper or digital, and be prepared to work every day on homework. |
Anonymous
| Let them go l to orientation or transition day. Tell them take a deep breath. Listen, observe, ask questions. |
Anonymous
| Some of the juniors and seniors being kind and helpful as my kid was in the same classes and activities. |
Anonymous
|
High school teacher:
Make sure your 9th grader knows that in high school, everything counts in the sense of going on the transcript that colleges will see. Impressions matter - the teachers you meet now are the people you may need recommendations from for summer jobs, internships, awards, and colleges. Maintain academic integrity - your current and future teachers will know if you cheat, believe me. (Refer to previous item) Being on time and entering class with a smile and a hello GOES A LONG WAY. I recommend walking right up to each teacher and saying, "Hi, I'm...." Do your assignments on time - things pile up quickly in high school - don't fall behind. Join a club - there are dozens, and at most schools, they meet at lunch. This is where you might find new friends. Put the phone away and look around - again, you might find your people. Embrace every minute because it goes by quickly. |
Anonymous
| Join a club, go to class, do the work, don’t be an a$$hole. |
Anonymous
OP we don't know what your kid's strengths, weaknesses, and middle school experience was so we don't know what your kid needs for the transition. |
Anonymous
|
My youngest graduated last year so might not be relevant. But when my kids were in school there was a several day program in the summer that got the kids oriented to HS. It was really helpful to my kids.
Also if your kid is into a Fall sport and might want to try out, check your school’s athletic page - tryouts are early August and your kid needs a physical on the MCPS form to he eligible. As a parent go to BTSN so you meet people and get a feel for how things work. If your kid is amenable, volunteer where you can. There are non business hours opportunities like working a concession stand during football games. |
Anonymous
| I told my incoming 9th grade football players that everything they previously thought about high school needs to be forgotten. It's not a place with more freedom where they can hide from responsibility. I let them know that as student athletes, especially football players, they are going to be held at a higher standard than anyone else in that building. If they don't like it then they can avoid it by simply not playing football anymore. |
Anonymous
| One of mine had a hard transition and the other was fine. I don’t think you can actually prep the way you think you can. |
Anonymous
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Most importantly - Talk often about sex, drugs, consent, and what healthy relationships and friendships look and feel like. Practice at least 3 different exit strategies for when your kid feels uncomfortable or unsafe. Hammer it in into their heads you are always a safe ride.
Put Bright Canary or another monitoring program on their phones and be sure texts going in and out are safe and appropriate. All of these skills need to be explicitly taught and may save a life or two. |
Anonymous
This is great advice. Thank you! |
Anonymous
That |
Anonymous
| Other than the transition day for Kinders, 6th grade and 9th grade students, any other orientation type days over the summer for rising high school students? |
Anonymous
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- The cool kid is actually the biggest loser in school.
- participate in class even if no one else does. - no one cares if you fail but you won’t get passed along, like in middle school. - talk to them openly and honestly about sex. - allow them to advocate for themselves. |