The transition to middle or high school can be a big adjustment for students and their parents. Below are some thoughts and tips, as you think about this new experience.

Students:

• Use back to school orientation as a chance to learn about schedules and rules.
• Take time to read over the parent handbook and understand student policies and procedures.
• Think about joining an activity or team to meet people and connect over common interests.
• Find an alarm clock you like so you can wake up in time to be ready for school.
• Use a planner and student/parent online portal systems to make a weekly plan for school work.

Parents:

• Model and encourage good social skills as they prepare to meet new friends.
• Allow students to tell you what they might be concerned about, help them come up with possible plan to alleviate some concerns, understanding it is normal to be a little nervous!
• Encourage increasing independence with grades and homework (but keep an eye out if they need support.) Try to find a middle ground of awareness but not over managing for the student.
• Listen. Some days they will talk; it is hard, but try to just listen. Usually they are needing to process, but are not necessarily seeking advice.

Here is a link for more student tips when transitioning to middle school: https://www.greatschools.org/pdfs/trans_midschool_kids.pdf

Cheers to a wonderful new school year!

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Mount de Sales Academy is a private Catholic school located in Macon, GA, and serves students in Bibb, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach and other surrounding counties. MDS is sponsored and inspired by the Sisters of Mercy. Since 1876, MDS has served a diverse college-preparatory community of learners—students and teachers alike—who are poised to discover, challenged to innovate, and motivated to serve.