Middle School West

Parent Survival Tips for Middle School Transition

For children going into middle school, there are many anxieties, apprehensions, and fears to deal with and overcome. Middle schools are larger than elementary schools, the schoolwork is harder, and there are more classes and teachers with different expectations and personalities. If you have a child entering middle school for the first time, know it is normal for your child to express concern.

1. Don't be too anxious about your child attending middle school. Talk about the middle school experience in a positive way. Your enthusiasm and support can help make this BIG change in your child's school life positive.

2. Help your child develop an organizational strategy. Encourage your child to utilize their school assignment book/calendar. Design a study space and set a consistent study time. Buy your child the necessary folders and binders to stay organized. If you are experiencing financial hardship and cannot purchase school supplies, don’t hesitate to contact your child’s school counselor for assistance. With your child, go through their backpack and materials for a weekly clean-up. Discuss what the next day will look like and the following week.

3. Utilize Boyertown Middle School West resources. Explore Boyertown Middle School West’s website with your child (https://www.boyertownasd.org/Domain/10). You can access Infinite Campus to check grades and progress. There are many other links to important information and updates. Please also check the Week In Review every week on the website.

4. Talk about social skills. Talk about traits that make a good friend. Discuss how words and actions can affect others—practice skills needed for difficult social situations.

5. Openly communicate with your child. Keep the lines of communication open between your child and school staff. Be informed, listen, and talk to your child.

6. Get involved as a parent. Attend parent-teacher conferences and/or other events where you can connect with your child's teachers, counselor, and the school.

7. Encourage your child to get involved in school activities! Have them join a team, club, or other extra-curricular activity and attend after-school events, like dances.

8. Help your child to be his or her advocate. Encourage your child to discuss problems and solutions with teachers independently but be ready to help as needed.  Don't hesitate to contact your school counselor with any social, personal/emotional, or behavioral concerns.

9. Take advantage of opportunities to tour the building. Our new student orientation days are a great opportunity to familiarize yourself at West.  The dates are TBD.