Written by Kate Bieker, English/Language Arts Teacher, Leader of the University of Southern Indiana Screaming Eagles 6th Grade Team
Hundreds of students will make the transition from elementary school to middle school next year. It can be an uneasy time for children as well as their parents. Weird stories spread like wildfire as to what fifth-grade students think will happen when they walk through the doors in August. One of my favorite stories involves eighth-graders shoving sixth-graders into their lockers and slamming the door. We hear it every year, but there’s no need to fear; hallway supervision prevents such behavior. Also, eight-graders aren’t even in the same hallways as sixth-graders.
Willowcreek and Fegely Middle Schools invite all incoming 6th graders and their parents to an orientation night from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. next Thursday, May 26th. This is a great opportunity for students and parents to take a sneak peak at their school. It will hopefully dispel rumors and allay fears our incoming students may have.
Two of the biggest fears incoming students have are getting lost and not being able to open their lockers. Just imagine the confusion a student would have walking into a school with 1,200 other students for the very first time, not knowing where to go for homeroom, the school nurse, or gym class. Put your child’s mind at ease at orientation night by taking a building tour. Maps will be available, but there’s nothing like seeing your classrooms firsthand and testing your knowledge of getting from point A to point B. Wander the building. Familiarize yourself with key locations and points of reference.
Lockers are the single most cause of angst for incoming middle schoolers. Sixth-graders will get two lockers with combinations- one for gym class and one in the main hallway. Student lockers are coordinated by team, so all students on the same team should have lockers near their core teachers. Lockers do pose a challenge to students the first few days, or even weeks. They often forget a number or turn the dial the wrong direction. This often leads to student panic which can be easily solved with minimal assistance from the teacher. Students will get a chance to check out lockers during orientation.
Children are more comfortable and at ease when they know exactly what to expect. Say, for instance, they are playing baseball. The coach wouldn’t put them up to bat without explaining pitches, swinging the bat, hits and outs. The same holds true for school. Let your almost middle schooler know what to expect, and he or she will be better prepared. I learned this firsthand with my son when he started first grade. I picked him up at the end of his first day and asked how it went. He looked me square in the eye with all seriousness and replied, “Mom, I didn’t know you signed me up for all day!” I didn’t even think about the difference between kindergarten and first grade from his perspective.
There are big differences between elementary and middle school, but orientation is the first step in understanding them. Principals will go over basic guidelines for the schools and explain expectations. Curriculum materials will be available for preview. Parents can find out about the different teams at each school. Current students and teachers will be available for tours and questions.
Please plan on attending orientation night. We can’t wait to meet you!