Tween going from private to public for middle school - what does she need to know?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: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.

MCPS. Read the threads.

In MS, they use those binders, in HS they don't.

[Anonymous]

Prepare your child not to need to use the bathrooms during the day. They are unsafe. My kid learned never to drink all day and held it for the day.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

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!

Yeah - my kids all went through Deal with none of these issues as well. Now - at Deal there aren't isn't enough time often to get to the bathrooms between classes give size of school and how crowded it was. Mine all developed a system. If Deal - get ahead on the math track if your kid has the aptitude. It will pay dividends into college.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

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!

Our MS in MCPS required backpacks in the locker.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote: 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.

Then your information is wildly out of date.

[Anonymous]

Stop by Lululemon and get her a gray Swiftly Tech and neutral leggings. My daughters enjoy shopping at Hollister, American Eagle/Aerie, Brandy Melville, and Marshall’s/TJ Maxx. I also recommend a Stanley and a North Face backpack that will last a long time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: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.

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!

Yeah - my kids all went through Deal with none of these issues as well. Now - at Deal there aren't isn't enough time often to get to the bathrooms between classes give size of school and how crowded it was. Mine all developed a system. If Deal - get ahead on the math track if your kid has the aptitude. It will pay dividends into college.

Rich kid schools with strong PTA's.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:what is wrong with using the bathroom?

Some publics, especially large ones lock them due to drugs, sex, vaping, rapes, violence.

And if they don't, you run the risk of all of the above.

for middle school?!!!

sadly, yes

[Anonymous]

The girls might be meaner or they might be nicer. The best part of public school is that it is easy to find a friend group since the grade is so large. Encourage her to try a new activity.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stop by Lululemon and get her a gray Swiftly Tech and neutral leggings. My daughters enjoy shopping at Hollister, American Eagle/Aerie, Brandy Melville, and Marshall’s/TJ Maxx. I also recommend a Stanley and a North Face backpack that will last a long time.

No, don't do this and let her pick out what she likes.

[Anonymous]

Is it a school in a UMC area or a school in a poorer neighborhood?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop by Lululemon and get her a gray Swiftly Tech and neutral leggings. My daughters enjoy shopping at Hollister, American Eagle/Aerie, Brandy Melville, and Marshall’s/TJ Maxx. I also recommend a Stanley and a North Face backpack that will last a long time.

No, don't do this and let her pick out what she likes.

If OP’s DD has been in a uniform her entire life, she might need some guidance on what to wear to blend in.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:what is wrong with using the bathroom?

Some publics, especially large ones lock them due to drugs, sex, vaping, rapes, violence.

Um. Which ones do that?

Our middle school does close some bathrooms because of vandalism. The rest of that story sounds like urban legend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Stop by Lululemon and get her a gray Swiftly Tech and neutral leggings. My daughters enjoy shopping at Hollister, American Eagle/Aerie, Brandy Melville, and Marshall’s/TJ Maxx. I also recommend a Stanley and a North Face backpack that will last a long time.

No, don't do this and let her pick out what she likes.

Yes, do this. Kids who wear uniforms don't always have a good idea of what's otherwise appropriate. Including my own here, in case someone thinks I'm bashing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:what is wrong with using the bathroom?

Some publics, especially large ones lock them due to drugs, sex, vaping, rapes, violence.

Um. Which ones do that?

Our middle school does close some bathrooms because of vandalism. The rest of that story sounds like urban legend.

Well, Loudon didn't close them but perhaps should have. Also, you just admitted closing bathrooms happens due to crime, so I'm not sure what your point is.