GRADE 5 TO GRADE 6 TRANSITION
The transition to middle school is often cited as one of the most challenging for children. Elementary schools are typically smaller and more contained. Student may have one to two teachers versus a team of teachers, which is common in middle schools. Typically, a middle school includes filtering students in from multiple elementary schools. In our district, we combine four elementary schools to form the middle school.
Elementary School Visitations
In the spring, we invite each of the elementary school fifth-grade classes to visit the middle school. During that visitation the guidance counselors along with some sixth-grade teachers and students give an overview of the sixth grade. Students are taken on a tour and watch a video that is made by the current sixth-grade class. Students are given an opportunity to ask questions and talk with some of the teachers.
Fifth-grade Parent Night
Parents as well as students are sometimes anxious about the transition from elementary to middle school. In the spring, the middle school hosts a Fifth-grade Parent Night to help ease those concerns. Parents are given an opportunity to learn more about the middle school and to ask questions. Parents also watch an iMovie, prepared by the current sixth-grade class that details their perspective on life in the middle school.
Sixth-grade Orientation
During the last week in the summer, the middle school hosts a Sixth-grade Orientation. At this time, students are given their schedules and find out what team they will be on for the year. Students and parents are encourage to meet the teachers and to try out the student lockers.
Sixth-grade Team Building
Each year in the fall, the sixth-grade classes take part in team building activities organized through Guidance Department. Each sixth-grade team spends the day with the school counselors participating in fun and energizing activities that promoted teamwork, tolerance, trust and respect. Students learned new things about themselves and their classmates.