MS Fourth into Fifth Grade Information: Home

Dear Middle School Parents,

The transition from lower to middle school is an exciting time.  Your children are developing and growing more independent while still relying you, their parents, to help them navigate these changes.  Below are some suggestions to help this process go smoothly.

• Have your child spend the first week of school learning to navigate Schoology.  This is the online platform where they can find all of the information for their classes.  Practice how to see what and when assignments are due, where to find handouts/ videos for each class, how to view announcements and how to submit assignments.

• Set up an organizational system that works for your child.  Let your child have a voice in what they think works best for them.

• Assist in planning for long term assignments and tests.  One way to do this is to use a desk calendar and plan backwards.

• Create a schedule including sports and other after school activities so your child can see when they will fit in homework, down time, chores and sleep.

• Help your child plan out how they can use resource time.  If they have difficulty with homework encourage them to visit that teacher during resource the next day.

• There will be times when problems arise.  Help your child problem solve when things don’t work but let them handle situations themselves.  Be a guide, not a rescuer.

•   I look forward to getting to know all of our new 5th graders during the next school year!      

Dr. Cloey Talotta, Learning Specialist and Counselor