1. Middle School Transition
Mr. Tommy Sheppard, M.Ed (counselling)

2. GOALS AND OBJECTIVES!
Reduce your level of anxiety about the middle school transition
Give you information, tools and resources to make the transition successful
Inform you about transition activities

3. It is perfectly normal for you to be nervous about starting middle school!!!
“The transition to middle school may be one of the toughest transitions during childhood, for both parents and kids” (Brown, 2004).
But when does ANXIETY become a problem?

4. Let’s face it…change is hard. It really is!
But why do you think change is necessary?
“A tree can choose not to bend in the wind. Eventually, though, conditions will produce winds strong enough to break the tree if continues not to bend.” Anonymous

5. Common Concerns of Students Transitioning to Middle School
PROCEDURAL CONCERNS
Getting lost or finding classes
Finding and opening the locker
Finding the bathroom
Not knowing the school rules
Carrying around all those books
Going from class to class without being late
Bringing the right materials to the right class at the right time
Traveling longer distances to school
Eating in a larger cafeteria

6. Procedural Concerns: What You Can Do
Buy a combination lock before school and spend time trying to open the lock.
(We will be working on combination locks several times throughout this year to help prepare you)
Go to the school two or three days before school starts and get a copy of your schedule. Take a few minutes to walk from room to room.
(We will be having an orientation day at Cabot to help you become familiar with the building)
Don’t buy backpacks that can store 50 pounds of materials. Smaller backpacks allow for better organization!!
(If you are unable to obtain a proper size school bag you can come see me. I may be able to help!)
School Rules will be clearly stated by administration and teaching staff during orientation and also during the first few weeks of school.

7. Academic Concerns Getting good grades Competition for grades
Having more than one teacher
More homework
More long-term projects
Work that is more challenging and requires more effort
Expectations of teachers in different subject areas
Basic tasks such as studying, taking notes, and taking tests

8. Academic Concerns: What You Can Do
Balance school work and play time
Get help with homework when needed
(Ask your teacher, parents or me your guidance counsellor for help! Everyone needs help sometime!)
Set high but reachable expectations for yourself
Try Your Best!! That is all anyone can ask for.
(Trust me! Effort is just as important as the outcome!)

9. Social/Emotional Concerns
Bullies and/or being teased
Making new friends/Finding and connecting with a peer group
Feeling stupid compared to other kids
Success in sports
Popularity
Being embarrassed by parents in front of other kids
Puberty (pimples, body changes)
Changing before and after P.E. in front of other kids
Having girlfriends and boyfriends
Having someone to sit with at lunch
Pressure to smoke, drink alcohol, or take drugs

10. Social/Emotional Concerns: What You Can Do
Get Involved in School Activities!
Be Yourself!
Keep an open communication with your loved ones!
Make regular appointments with me (your guidance counsellor) if needed, or come to see me when an issue arises that you need help with!
(COURAGE is not being afraid to ask for help.)
Remember the GOLDEN RULE! Then everything else will fall into place.

11. TRANSITION ACTIVITIES PROVIDED AT CABOT
Offer parent workshops and groups
Curriculum articulation -Create schedules for incoming 5th and 6th grade students based on provincial testing, teacher recommendation and grades.
Student orientation
Letters sent home welcoming students and families, and inviting to school activities
Mentor and buddy program
School handbook
Parent conferences
Monthly Schedules Provided
Individual counseling – academic, personal/social, career
Group counseling – “Stress Busters”, “Get a Grip”, “GSA”
Classroom guidance presentations;
-Drugs -Bullying
-Cyber bullying -Homework
-Personal hygiene -Sexual harassment
-Study skills

12. Class Activity! REMEMBER TO RAISE YOUR HAND!
What are some POSITIVE aspects of the upcoming transition from elementary to middle school? What are some NEGATIVE aspects of the upcoming transition from elementary to middle school?
REMEMBER TO RAISE YOUR HAND!

13. Videos! 1) Three Common Fears Entering Middle School
2) Top Ten Tips For Succeeding in Middle School
3) Middle School Survival Guide From a Student

14. Confidential Activity
Take 5 minutes to write down “ANONOMOUSLY” some concerns or questions you may have about the upcoming transition to CABOT on the sheet provided! I will try my best to answer these questions and help de- escalate any stress that is resulting from concerns you may be having! Remember this is an ANONOMOUS activity!