A Note on Transitioning to Junior High School
Junior high is an exciting time of change, growth, and discovery. It is expected for students to be excited and nervous about:
- new teachers, new building, and new classes,
- having more independence and responsibility,
- a busy schedule, and
- new opportunities for clubs and sports
It will be important to start the year off in a positive way. Some ideas for heading off in the right direction include:
- Getting plenty of sleep and exercise, eating a healthy diet, and setting aside time to have fun with friends and family
- Talking to your school counselor or an adult you trust if you are feeling upset, stressed, lonely or confused
- Practicing with a locker combination at home before the first day of school- this is one of the biggest worries for students starting off
- Choosing a club or sport to get involved in (see Mrs. Roy or Mrs. Nein for the list of choices)
Tips for academic success:
- Stay organized- use your assignment notebook, keep your locker neat, and assign folders or binders for each class- your teachers will help you with this!
- Use your time wisely- get ready for school thenight before (clothes, backpack, etc), set a regular homework time in a quiet space, and break up projects and assignments into smaller chunks.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
For parents: Talking to your child during the junior high years can be tough at times, but it is an essential piece to keep the lines of communication open. Here are some ideas for the summer and throughout their junior high experience-
- What are you most excited about?
- What are you most nervous about?
- Ask how you can help them.
- Listen closely and attentively to feelings or concerns they share.
- Highlight the positives- more independence, more opportunities, etc.
- Help your child make a schedule to balance activities, homework, and free time.
- Help them understand positive and negative peer pressure, and who to talk to when they have concerns.
We look forward to taking this journey with you and your child! As always, please do not hesitate to contact us with questions or concerns.
Guidance office: 319-1932