DD starts middle school in the fall, and I am scared to death.

[Anonymous]

You're thick and frankly sound unhinged.

This is pretty funny seeing as how you are the one with your head totally in the sand on this topic, and not only that, I am not the only one who is replying. Someone else posted the link to the USA Ch 9 news story.

It is public knowledge that the principal did not react appropriately to what was reported to him last year. As a result the pervert was able to continue molesting children, sometimes actually during class! That's why he's in jail.

I'm sure the principal would now like to move closer to his daughter. That's great. But it's not random.

I think your time might be better spent finding out the truth about this for yourself as opposed to acting like any of it is my fault! The parents of FCC must demand answers and accountability from those in charge. A new principal and AP is a step in the right direction.

[Anonymous]

Hi, haven't read the replies, but American Girl puts out a good little book "...guide to middle school"

Also somewhere I read the biggest fear is not being able to work the lockers. Go buy the lock early and have her practice! Big confidence booster!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hi, haven't read the replies, but American Girl puts out a good little book "...guide to middle school"

Also somewhere I read the biggest fear is not being able to work the lockers. Go buy the lock early and have her practice! Big confidence booster!

OP here, thanks for the book rec. I like the other AG growing up books.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I'm not sure where you're located OP, as I haven't read the entire thread, but my daughter goes to NBMS & on May 11th we're having our New Parent Transition Meeting (I'm pretty sure all of the middle schools ha've this as well).

This is different than an orientation, this is a more personal new parents sitting down in small groups (4 -5 new parents per group) with 1 or 2 parents who have kids already at the school & we discuss anything you have questions or concerns about... literally anything.

Yes, we discuss academics & after school activities / sports, but we realmy hear questions more so of concern... how will my child fit in? My child is autistic, are there any groups or social clubs geared towards him? How is the school towards bullying? etc.

ANY area that a parent has concerns about, we tell them to come with their questions about them. If we, the parents, can't answer it, the guidance counselors are also there to answer. If you'd rather ask in private, you can do that to.

What I'm saying is that you should call your child's middle school & find out when your meeting is.

I promise you that going to this meeting will help alleviate some of your fears & you'll see that everyone (and I did mean everyone) is in exactly the same boat as you.

When I went to my first meeting as my daughter was entering middle school I was terrified... TERRIFIED!
However, attending the meeting & speaking to parents who are in the trenches right now, really helped ease my concerns & it's the exact reason why I now attend from the other side of the table... to help someone who was just as scared as me, as the wonderful parents before me helped me.

Good luck!

This is a wonderfully informative post, OP.
Find out of your school has something similar.

I didn't want you to miss seeing this, as it's mixed in with all of the side bickering & a pissing contest that has absolutely nothing to do with your original post.

+100
Go to this OP, it will relieve your stress level!

[Anonymous]

I didn't want you to miss seeing this, as it's mixed in with all of the side bickering & a pissing contest that has absolutely nothing to do with your original post.

It has a little something to do with the original post since it's about the school her kid will be attending.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

I didn't want you to miss seeing this, as it's mixed in with all of the side bickering & a pissing contest that has absolutely nothing to do with your original post.

It has a little something to do with the original post since it's about the school her kid will be attending.

I didn't write that, but I must have missed which school she'll be attending?

[Anonymous]

OP, I'm the one who suggested you attend the New Parent Transition Meeting.

Also, I forgot to mention earlier, but I also just suggested in another thread buying the book Queen Bees and Wannabes... every parent of a girl in middle or high school should buy it.

It teaches you which personality type your daughter is (queen bee, the hero, the wannabe, the banker, the informer, the sidekick, the floater, the target, etc) & also how to navigate the girl world for each personality type & patterns of aggressive teen/teen girl behavior & how to deal with them. Make sure to buy the latest edition, as they've updated it to include social media (amazon also has the same book, but for boys too).

This book was the basis for the movie Mean Girls.

I can't recommend it enough!

[Anonymous]

Do kids still have to take showers after gym in middle school? That was always what I dreaded.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:For us, middle school was amazing. It was ninth and tenth grade that nearly killed me.

There right now with oldest DD, they say 11th should be better. Youngest starts middle school this Fall, already learning from issues first time around

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Am I the only one who thinks it's just like elementary school? Go to school, come home. Don't involve yourself in any drama. Don't talk bad about anyone. And just fit in in terms of personality and clothing. And time will go by just fine. I thought the kids who had the harder time were the ones who were always saying stuff about others and that started drama.

+1

Same as parents. Stay out of it, and you will do just fine.

[Anonymous]

My girls have never had any problem in middle school. Next year I'll only have one in middle school (9th). My oldest will be in 10th. My youngest decided to take band when she went into 7th, which is when our middle school starts, and she has really enjoyed it.

[Anonymous]

Two of mine have already been through MS and they both loved it with no issues at all. It might be fine!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't think middle school now is like it was for us parents. I remember being bullied severely, seeing fist fights in corridors with blood flying and once a kid put a home made bomb in the boys bathroom hand towel dispenser, it blew up just AFTER someone had used it, so no one was injured or killed. I didn't stop going because of these events but definitely felt more free in HS.

I also don't think middle school is as bad as it was in the 80's. I have friends who are teachers and they all say that the kids are nicer overall than when we were growing up.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

I didn't want you to miss seeing this, as it's mixed in with all of the side bickering & a pissing contest that has absolutely nothing to do with your original post.

It has a little something to do with the original post since it's about the school her kid will be attending.

I didn't write that, but I must have missed which school she'll be attending?

Mary Ellen Henderson middle school in Falls Church City.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I remember middle school as the worst years of my life. I was smart but conventionally unattractive, shy and had few friends. I was even attacked in a stairwell (probably attempted sexual assault, but I escaped). And this was in what was considered a great school district.

My daughter starts middle school in the fall and I am terrified for her. She's smart and kind of nerdy - wears glasses as I did. Likes being unconventional. She does have a number of friends though as she has a great personality.

What worked for you or your kids when transitioning? I am willing to get her contact lenses, help her buy a few "cool" clothes.

Thanks!

OP I can't even read all of the replies because I'm so annoyed with you.

You are making your daughter crazy with your anxiety. Just stop it.