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Transition
activities at Farnsworth Middle School "Building
a bridge to the future."
Middle School: A time of transition
Middle School is synonymous with
transition. The move from Elementary School
to Middle School
encompasses a great deal of change:
Academic -from a small setting
with one primary teacher to a large building and contact
with several teachers for several subject areas. The
introduction of a grading system and increasingly demanding
academic standards.
Social/Emotional -making new
friends with students from five different elementary
schools. Wanting to participate in more independent social
activities. Learning to balance social needs with academic
priorities.
Physical -entering 6th grade as a
child and leaving 8th grade as a developing adolescent and
all of the awkwardness that goes with growth.
The move from
Middle School to High School involves even more change:
Academic -the introduction of
graduation requirements and Regents exams and the
responsibility of selecting a course of study. Adjusting to
block scheduling. The change in focus from skills to
content. Developing skills for life after high school.
Social/Emotional -ever changing
boundaries and striving for more independence. Balancing
work and play and the stressors of approaching adulthood.
Physical -mind and body catching
up to each other.
Opportunity
vs. Crisis
Change can be viewed as a
time of crisis or opportunity. After completing the many
varied components of the transition programs, students look
forward to their middle school and high school careers and see
it as an opportunity , not a crisis. They have been well
prepared, developed realistic expectations and have the skills
necessary to succeed in their new setting.
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