Family & Community Outreach
Monthly Spotlight for middle schools
th
th
Moving On Up
The first day of high school can be equally exciting and terrifying. New classmates, new courses, new teachers and new expectations can all make your child anxious about going to high school. Even if the change doesn't seem drastic, you should anticipate an adjustment period for your child. Here are a few tips to help ease the way for your teenager: o Make sure your student visits the school ahead of time to calm their fears of the unknown. o If the middle school holds a transition night or the high school offers a new student orientation day, make sure your child attends it. This will help them with organization.[REPLACE WITH INFO
ABOUT THESE EVENTS HERE IF APPLICABLE] o Your child will have more options for classes and out-of-school activities in high school. Joining a sports team, club, or activity will help him or her make friends and ease the transition process.
Involved students also do better socially and academically. o Help build their confidence. There’s a good chance your teen is already stressed about the transition, so reminding them of how hard high school is may only make things worse. Instead of saying things such as, "You're going to have to do this differently or else you're going to fail," use positive language such as, "I know you're going to be able to handle this”.
While your teen may tell you they don't need your help, your involvement is essential for a smooth transition from middle to high school. The support you will provide is vital.
To find more ways you can support the transition to high school, visit http://gearupky.org/forfamilies/familyzone/middleschool/ and read the tip sheet on helping students Prepare to Transition. Printed resources are also available from your College and Career Advisor. [INSERT
ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS AS APPLICABLE]
Join the conversation about this topic at the GEAR UP Community Connection Forum. Go to http://gearupky.org/discuss/ .
( Adapted from an article by Kelsey Sheehy, US News and World Report – Education)
For more information to help parents, guardians & mentors support student success, visit gearupky.org/forfamilies/

Family & Community Outreach
Monthly Spotlight for middle schools
Hi, this is Superintendent/Principal [NAME] from [NAME OF SCHOOL DISTRICT/SCHOOL]
Can you believe your son or daughter will be a high school student soon? This is an exciting time that can also be scary for some students as they wonder about the unknown. As you and your child learn about the increased workloads and expectations of high school, there will be a period of adjustment where they will need your support. I want to offer some strategies you can use to help: o View the [FEEDER HIGH SCHOOL NAME] website regularly to stay on top of important announcements and put the dates of upcoming events and grading periods on your calendar. o Contact FEEDER HIGH SCHOOL NAME and/or CONTACT] for information about extracurricular opportunities for your student, as well as tutoring and other supports they may need. o Also, make sure the school office puts your email address on any email distributions lists to parents.
Your child’s new status as a high school student may lead them – or you -- to believe they do not need as much of your help and guidance. Just the opposite is true. At this stage in their education, students need the support of their family more than ever. I encourage you to contact our GEAR UP College and Career
Advisor for additional transition tips.
Twitter
[APRIL’s] Parent Spotlight is on #lookingahead to high school. How can u help your child get ready? http://tinyurl.com/pqe47s2
Parents – 9 th grade is crucial. Don't end your involvement- change it. http://tinyurl.com/pqe47s2
Is your 8th grader ready to take on high school life? Help them #GEARUP for the transition http://tinyurl.com/pqe47s2
Facebook
Choosing the right classes is so important in your child's path to college or a career after graduation. Check out this course planner and checklists to help you help them plan now for their freshman year. http://tinyurl.com/pqe47s2
Hey parents – the move to high school is closer than you think. Get to know [FEEDER HIGH SCHOOL] now to help your child make the #transition [LINK TO HIGH SCHOOL WEBSITE]
Many say your freshman year is the most crucial year of high school – is your student ready? http://tinyurl.com/pqe47s2
For more information to help parents, guardians & mentors support student success, visit gearupky.org/forfamilies/

Family & Community Outreach
Monthly Spotlight for middle schools
Making sure your student visits their new high school before their first day will help calm their fears of the unknown. For more ways to support this big #transition, check out http://tinyurl.com/pqe47s2
For more information to help parents, guardians & mentors support student success, visit gearupky.org/forfamilies/