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Transition Tips for All Students
by Liz Velazco, Transitional School Counselor, FHS and LMS | | As the transition counselor working both at Lanier Middle School and Fairfax High School, I have many 8th graders asking questions about life in high school. "Are the math teachers nice?" "Will I have enough time getting to my next class?" "High school is SO big, what if I get lost?" "How much homework will I have?" "Which honors courses should I take?" My goal as the transition counselor is to answer these common concerns in addition to bridging the gap between middle and high school to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Although middle school to high school is an important student transition it is not the only school transition student's experience. From private daycare or preschool to kindergarten, from elementary to middle school and then to high school, after successful completion of 12th grade, students move onto the fifth transition to college, post secondary or workforce (Queen, 2002).
In transition studies, both academic and social concerns have been identified as the primary concerns (Akos & Galassi, 2004) for students. Common fears include getting to class on time, the amount of homework, making friends and getting a locker have been most commonly cited in the transition to middle school. Rising high school students have similar concerns to that of middle school students such as grades, meeting friends, getting lost, as well as preparing for college/life, parent expectations, and choosing the correct classes.
Although the concerns of the students may vary, depending on which school transition they are experiencing at the time, parents, teachers, professional school counselors, and other school administrators all play an integral role in making these student transitions successful. Parents can lessen the anxiety of their students by listening to their concerns, relaying school information, and provide general encouragement to their child. Parents can also contact teachers and school counselors to learn more about transition programs that help facilitate a smooth transition.
A few transition programs may include:
- Tours of the school - call to schedule a tour, attend the spring orientation and curriculum meetings and viewing information online can help both students and parents get more familiar with the school.
- Take advantage of summer programs - both Lanier Middle School and Fairfax High School offer summer programs. Lanier's Early Start and FHS AP Boot Camp give the opportunity to get on the campuses and get familiar with the work expected in the upcoming year and provide opportunities to learn the layout of the campuses.
- New Student Orientation sessions - all four City of Fairfax schools offer back to school and open houses the last week of August to allow students to get schedules, check out classrooms, meet teachers and open lockers. Look for dates and times this summer.
Professional school counselors and teachers are wonderful resources to help with transition concerns. If you feel your student needs extra attention and help with a transition to a new school, please contact the school directly to speak with the counselors. Teachers can offer helpful insight about classes and skills needed to succeed. Teachers are also wonderful resources in helping students who may be transitioning into Advanced Placement ( AP Courses ) courses too.
In addition, check to see if your school offers a mentoring program. Peers are a wonderful way for students to learn and feel comfortable in their new environment.
As you can see, student transitions are a part of life and it is natural for both students and parents to have concerns. When parents, teachers, professional school counselors and other staff members collaborate together, we can minimize student concerns and enjoy the new positive opportunities and growth transitions can bring.
Here are some links for more tips on transitions:
Kindergarten
Kindergarten with disabilities
Middle school
Middle school directed for kids
High School
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What's Cool About This School | |
Continuing with our theme of transitions, we asked our principals to name a few things incoming students can look forward to in their school. Here is what they said:
Dave Goldfarb, Principal, Fairfax High School
- Students cheering on and supporting one another.
- Teachers caring so much about their students.
- One-Person Art Show.
- Amazing electives offered through the Fairfax Academy for Communication and the Arts.
- Opportunity to learn six different world languages.
- Leadership students creating episodes of Pride Time TV and directing the pep rallies.
Scott Poole, Principal, Lanier Middle School
- Lanier has dedicated teachers who build strong relationships with students.
- We have a variety of academic programs that meet out students' needs to provide a solid foundation for high school classes.
- We have nationally recognized visual and performing arts departments.
- Every classroom has a multi-media presentation system which allows technology to be integrated into the instruction on a daily basis to support learning.
- We have a 1 : 3 student - computer ratio and a 1 : 1 teacher - computer ratio in addition to an innovative Student iPad Program.
- All of our students and teachers have their GAE accounts activated and in full use.
- Students and staff members are allowed and encouraged to register their personally owned electronic devices to support learning as an instructional tool .
- We have an exceptional After-School Program that includes 32 different clubs and activities.
- We are very proud of our state-of-the-art facilities.
- We promote strong vertical articulation across the pyramid which provides for smooth school transitions.
Kathy Mullinex, Principal, Daniels Run Elementary
The coolest part about our school are the people - children, parents and staff members who genuinely care about each other.
Jesse Kraft, Principal Providence Elementary School
What's Cool About PES?
Providence kids take care of each other - they know that they are part of a larger class and that others need help, respect and fun, and they do their part to make that happen. They also do an amazing job with big events like the Share Fair, which shows off our critical and creative thinking, the Writers' Anthology Project, which publishes everyone's best stories, poems and essays, and Service Saturday, where we literally turn a grassy field into a vibrant garden and workspace. PES kids are not afraid to take risks or get their hands dirty!
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Letter from the Chairman of the School Board | Dear Fairfax City Residents and School Parents,
As we focus this issue on transitions, I realize it's not just our students who will be transitioning next school year. We understand as children transition, we as parents transition as well. The City of Fairfax Schools find ourselves in transition ourselves. With the announcement both Superintendent Ann Monday and Daniels Run principal Kathy Mullenix's retirement we look to new leadership to guide us into the next chapter of the City of Fairfax Schools. As always, the City School Board is welcome to any input and feedback you may have about our schools. Our monthly meetings are open to the public and we encourage you to attend and participate. Throughout any transition, it is a time of reflection, a bit of caution and excitement for anyone. The City of Fairfax School board and new Superintendent Dr. Peter Noonan are dedicated to ensuring this time of transition is smooth for everyone, especially our students. We wish you a happy spring and look forward to seeing you soon.
Sincerely
Janice Miller |
City of Fairfax Schools are part of a world-class school system that inspires, enables, and empowers students to meet high academic standards, lead ethical lives and demonstrate responsible citizenship.
Our next school board meeting will be April 9th at City Hall. The next work session will be April 23rd at Fairfax High School. All meetings and work sessions are open to the public and we welcome parents, community members and families to attend and participate.
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| CloseUp Now in Spanish! | |
CloseUp is now offered in Spanish. If you would like to receive CloseUp in Spanish, please send an email to schoolboard@fairfaxva.gov.
CloseUp se ofrece ahora en español. Si usted desea recibir CloseUp en español, por favor envíe un correo electrónico a schoolboard@fairfaxva.gov. |
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Students Speak!
What's Cool About My School | |
We asked our pyramid students to tell us what they thought was cool about their school.
"We have spirit days!"
Laura, Providence ES 4th grade
"We have good books in our library, really interesting books about everything!"
Kaiya, DRE 2nd grade
"Interesting. Full of possibilities. Unexpected surprises."
Hannah, LMS 7th grade
"Our school spirit and our love for rebel pride. Our student population is amazing and out teaches are incredible."
Briana, 10th grade FHS
"We have a lot of programs after school for kids." Audrey, Providence ES
6th grade
"We get to learn about animals, especially wildlife."
Trajan, DRE 2nd grade
"Lanier has many athletic after school activities and awesome teachers."
Hassan, LMS 7th grade
"The best part of FHS is the feeling of being part of a family."
Zack, 12th grade FHS
"The school lunch cookies!"
Shazdae, LMS 7th grade
"Teachers are really fun and helpful!"
Jenesis, Providence
4th grade
"All the great friendships we have."
Spencer, DRE 3rd grade
"The community bond that is made up of FHS students and faculty is what sets it apart from every other school."
Joe, FHS 12th grade
"Students and teachers care so much about each other."
Cesar, DRE 3rd grade
"Best place ever!! It's a lot of fun and we learn a lot!" Betsy, Providence ES
4th grade
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Our Facebook page is filled with pictures from school events, interesting articles on education and community events.
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Important Dates | | | |
April 9 - School Board Meeting with state of the school report by Principal Goldfarb of Fairfax High School 7:30 City Hall
April 19 - Sophomore College Planning Night 7 PM at Fairfax High School
April 21 - Providence Elementary Service Day 8:00 - 4:00
April 23 - Lanier Middle School Chorus Spring Concert
7 PM Lanier Middle School
April 23 - Providence Elementary Math, Science, Technology Family Night 6:00-7:30 PES
April 26 - Daniels Run Elementary Kindergarten Orientation 9:30-11:30
April 29 - School Board Work Session - student panel speaks with the board about their experiences 7:00 Fairfax High School Multi-Purpose Room
April 30 - Providence Elementary Kindergarten Orientation 1:30-3:00
May 29 - Fairfax High School Rising 9th Grade Orientation 7:00-9:00 FHS Auditorium
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