2. Transitioning to Middle School: Priming Your Student with Autism Spectrum Disorder Susan Matyuf Learning Specialist/Autism Teacher Sterling Middle School

3. Middle school here we come!

4. Most kids think… We can’t wait! We get lockers! We’re growing up!

5. For students who find changing routines difficult, switching classes a challenge, following different teachers’ rules hard, and coping with large crowds rough, Middle school might seem a little scary… BUT…

6. It doesn’t have to be! Relax! We’ll count down our TOP 10 TIPS for getting our mind ready for MIDDLE SCHOOL!

7. # 10

8. Practice opening a combination lock. Click on the picture above to watch a clip on how to open your school locker. Think R u L e R : R – turn the dial to the right 2 times and then stop on the first number. L- turn the dial to the left…pass your number once, then stop on it the second time. R- turn to the right again and stop on the third number. Pull up and it is OPEN!

9. # 9

10. Buy an accordion folder! It will help you to be organized if you keep your papers in one place! You can practice at home by organizing coupons or papers for your family!

11. # 8

12. You will have to write your assignments down each day. Check them off when you are done. You can practice at home by writing a “to do” list and checking it off when you are done. Write in your agenda every day!

13. # 7

14. The halls get crowded so walk on the right side…it’s just like driving! Walk on the RIGHT!

15. # 6

16. Sometimes we have to wait… That’s o.k. We can read a book, talk to someone or ask to go to a quiet place. In the mornings, the students wait in the auditorium until the bell rings to go to class. At lunch we all wait our turn if we are buying.

17. # 5

18. Sixth graders are in House C. We have “Houses” in middle school! If you are late, or have to leave early, you go the house secretary. Your locker will be here. It has a number near the top. Ask for a locker on the end.

19. # 4

20. In middle school we have A day classes and B day classes. Different classes, different days PeriodCourseTeacherRoom 016 US History to 1865GavrinD 3 02English 6APamboukianB 7 03Math 6PenarcyzkB 20 04ChorusChangMus 1 04ResourceJonesD 7 05Science 6AkersB 9 06Health / P.E. 6HeismanGym 1 07KeyboardingFletcherE 6 08English 6APamboukianB 7 This means Chorus is half a block and Resource is half a block. You’ll have most classes every other day.

21. # 3

22. Different classes, different teachers PeriodCourseTeacherRoom 016 US History to 1865GavrinD 3 02English 6APamboukianB 7 03Math 6PenarcyzkB 20 04ChorusChangMus 1 04ResourceJonesD 7 05Science 6AkersB 9 06Health / P.E. 6HeismanGym 1 07KeyboardingFletcherE 6 08English 6APamboukianB 7 You can get to know the teachers by checking out the school web page. The class rules, what you will learn, and the homework assignments are all online. Check it out!

23. # 2

24. Before school starts, give us a call. You can come by and:  try your locker  get your schedule  meet your teachers  tour the building Call first and then come on down! Come visit!

25. And the # 1 tip is…

26. Ask for help! There are many helpful people! Your dean! Your counselor! Your teacher !

27. High 5! We’re primed and ready to go! See you at school!