Easing the transition from eighth to ninth grade

Easing the Transition from Eighth To Ninth Grade By: Vice Principal B. Forgash Our goal is to reduce problems associated with high school transition to increase student success.

Attendance at the New Student Orientation will acquaint students with the layout of the facility, staff, and other new students sharing similar apprehensions. The first path to success is organization of class requirements (syllabus), homework deadlines, and development of solid study skills. THIS MUST BE DONE AT THE FIRST CLASS MEETING. By parents working with students to go over what was discussed that very first day, a success plan can be developed. Waiting until mid-term is too late and proves frustrating for most.

Attend Open House and learn firsthand if the teacher’s expectation is what you and your child have set as the road to success. Ask your child to see graded papers and test/quiz results. If something feels not quite right, call guidance and set up a parent - teacher conference.

If a particular class is a worry to you or your child, call and leave an e-mail. If you don’t receive a quick response, call an administrator to help. No one wants surprises when that report card comes home.

Don’t assume the child is taking responsibility...YOU need to oversee progress.

Watch your child’s peer group. Has it changed from middle school? Listen to conversations in person and on the phone. Peer pressure is strong in high school--the influences must be positive. Look for red flags... changes in dress, cleanliness, sleeping patterns, grades, and attitude.

Encourage your child to become involved in the many activities. The sports are included in this newsletter; the clubs are printed on the back of the new student handbook you will receive. There are many from which to choose.

Find time as a parent to volunteer. In this way you can see “firsthand” what is going on at school.

Your counselor is your link to success. Call them — Any concern you or your child has is never too small to address. Check to see how your teen looks when leaving for school. Are they complying with the dress code? They have to dress for success, just as you do going to work. School is your child’s job.

Take advantage of extra study sessions teachers schedule before or after school, or math tutoring groups. Prioritize your child’s need list. Success in school comes in at number ONE before talking on the phone with friends at night, meeting with friends on school nights, texting, Social Media.

STAY ON TOP OF YOUR CHILD’S ATTENDANCE. If they are not here, they will become frustrated when they return. Watch for letters from school advising of absences. Look at absences on the mid-term report and call student services to check to see if you are aware of attendance. The more interventions in which you actively participate, starting day one, the greater the likelihood of your child’s success.

Parents working as a team; with school teachers and administrators is a winning combination.

To download a copy click here: https://www.dropbox.com/home/Natalie%20M./Content%20for%20Schools?preview=Easing+the+Tran sition+from+Eighth+To+Ninth+Grade.docx