MOUNDROS MIDDLE SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL TRANSITION

Ms. Moundros- School Counselor (347) 698 6822 smoundros@mercy.edu

Leaving a school building brings a

GETTING READY little nervousness or even sadness
FOR YOUR NEXT about leaving their teachers and
classmates behind is normal.
STEP Reassure your child that he/she
will have just as much fun next
Spring is here—and the change year, be with many of the same
between winter and spring isn’t the friends, and also have the
only transition you and your family opportunity to make new friends.

Supporting should be thinking about. With the

school year wrapping up in the next
couple of months, now is a great time
TALK ABOUT IT!

Successful to start the process of supporting your

child’s transition to high school. Ask your child what his/her

Transitions
favorite parts of being in this
Be aware of how your child is doing in school has been so far. Also talk
all subjects and classes. If you aren’t about the coolest things he/she has
sure or haven’t seen a recent progress learned and the friends he/she has
Transition planning involves report or report card, contact the made.
school.
providing 8th grade students (and
their parents) preparations which
make for a smooth transition into
their high school as 9th graders.
These may include psychological,
academic, social and experiential
preparation which is designed to “Education is the
make the transition smooth and
successful. Transition planning passport to the
can be helpful for all students but
may be especially important for future, for tomorrow
students with disabilities or other belongs to those who
students who are at risk,
academically or socially and thus prepare for it today.”
at a higher risk of dropping out. UPCOMING EVENTS

HS Panel- What is it like to be a

High School Student – January 23rd — Malcolm X

Four Year High School Plan –

February 14th

Vision Board Activity - February

20th

About Moundros
High School
NOTES FROM THE
COUNSELORS
Dear Parents and Students,
We understand that the transition from
middle school to high school can be both
exciting and challenging. We want to assure
you that we are here to support you every
step of the way as you navigate this
important transition.
High school is a time of growth and
exploration, and we encourage you to take
advantage of all the opportunities that
Moundros High School has to offer.
Whether it's joining a club, participating in
a sport, or pursuing an academic interest,
we believe that every student can find a
way to thrive in our community.
School Culture
The structure and organization of
high school and middle school are
similar in that students have
multiple teachers and a variety of
aca- demic tracks. However, middle
school students typically share
similar course work paths and are
not moved as hurriedly through the
halls from one class to another. In
addition, high schools are much
larger, more competitive, and less
personal.
At Moundros High School, we also
believe in providing comprehensive
support services to ensure the well-
being and success of our students.
Our counseling department offers a
range of services, including college
and career counseling, academic
support, and mental health
resources.
As you transition to high school, we
encourage you to take an active role
in your own education and to seek
out opportunities to connect with
your teachers and classmates. We
believe that building positive
relationships and taking ownership
of your academic journey are key to
success in high school and beyond.
Moundros High School is a diverse and
dynamic learning community located in
the heart of our city. Our school is
committed to academic excellence and
empowering our students with the
knowledge and skills they need to
achieve their goals and make a positive
impact in the world.
The curriculum is designed to challenge
and engage our students, and we offer a
wide range of courses to meet their
individual needs and interests. Our
faculty is highly qualified and
dedicated to providing a supportive and
nurturing learning environment that
fosters academic and personal growth.
Student Quote:
“In my experience, some of the biggest
challenges we face in the transition to high
school is adjusting to the heavier workload and
the faster pace in daily school activities/classes,”
Questions to ask your
Student
1. I know how many credits are
required for graduation from
high school. (YES) (NO)
2. I know what a credit is. (YES)
(NO)
3. I know the difference between a
core class and an elective class.
(YES) (NO)
4. I know what a grade point
average is. (YES) (NO)
 Parents Tips and Tricks
Tips & Tricks
Meet with the school.
o The spring or summer
before your child starts high
school, schedule a meeting
with the staff to discuss
their learning and thinking
differences. Encourage them
to attend.
Discuss class selection.
o Meet with the guidance
department to get advice on
choosing the best mix of
classes for your child. They
may be able to suggest
certain teachers who have
experience with their
learning and thinking
How to Stay Involved:
Moving to high school is one of the
key milestones of a teenager’s life.
High school is an exciting time in
your teen’s life. During their
transition to high school, they will
experience new challenges and
plenty of changes. You can support
your teen by talking to them about
any worries they may have during
this time.
Teens may want more independence
as they transition to high school,
which can be challenging for parents.
While it’s good to give your teen the
freedom to form their identity, to
make new friends and to explore
their interests, you still play a key
role in helping them to navigate this
phase.
o Get involved with the school community. Go to
parent-teacher conferences and stay across
communication and key events. If there’s a school
website, online app or newsletter, check it
regularly to stay up to date.
o Observe changes in your teen, particularly their
mental and physical health. If you have concerns
about your child, contact your school or GP. 
o Make time to talk to your teen about school life
o
at a time that works for both of you.
Respect your teen’s need for independence and
their ability to make decisions for themselves.
Offer advice and support but give them the
opportunity to solve their own problems.
o Celebrate their wins. Cheer them on when they
do something great at school, such as perform well
academically, take part in a sporting event, or
make a new friend. Rewarding their positive
behaviors will strengthen their abilities and
motivation to do well in the future.
 differences.
Explore extracurricular
activities.
o Talk with your teen about
which school groups and
activities they might like to
try. Joining up can help
them meet kids who share
their interests.
 References

Baker, D. P., & Stevenson, D. L. (1986). Mothers' strategies for children's school achievement: Managing the

transition to high school. Sociology of education, 156-166.

Benner, A. D. (2011). The transition to high school: Current knowledge, future directions. Educational

psychology review, 23, 299-328.

Isakson, K., & Jarvis, P. (1999). The adjustment of adolescents during the transition into high school: A short-

term longitudinal study. Journal of Youth and Adolescence, 28(1), 1-26.

Mizelle, N. B., & Irvin, J. L. (2000). Transition from middle school into high school. Middle School

Journal, 31(5), 57-61

Resources for Parents

o Helping Middle School Students Make the Transition Into High School: This comprehensive guide from
Education.com has a lot of valuable ideas and strategies for educators and schools, offering tips for
providing social, emotional, and academic support for incoming students. There are suggestions for
connecting middle and high school educators and engaging parents.

o Ensuring Successful Transitions From the Middle Grades to High School: AdLit.org produced this blog
post, which features expert recommendations and examples of what a successful transition program
might look like. There is great information here for parents, administrators, and educators.

o 3 Tips to Help Your Teen Transition to High School: There are just a few tips in this article from U.S.
News & World Report, but each one can have a positive impact on your teen's freshman year.