For many students, the transition from elementary school to middle school is a difficult one. But why is this? According to one of the middle school guidance counselors, Mrs. Borden, “ It’s hard for them because they go from a smaller place to a larger one with a bigger group of people.” Mr. Paydo also shared, “It’s the first time schools are combining…The building is massive and it is also the beginning of adolescence so everyone is changing.”
In short, students are experiencing a change in their surroundings at the same time that they are experiencing a change in their bodies and emotions. The result can be a jarring shift.
From my personal experience, I noticed in sixth grade that issues like bullying, fighting, and rumors became more common. Mr. Paydo’s noted, “Cyberbullying often starts right at this time because some kids are too scared to say things to each other so they will say it online. What most kids don’t realize is their brains are not equipped for the stuff they see, like seeing their friends hang out without them.” Mrs. Borden added, “This is the time when issues increase, mostly from technology.”
When asked if the middle school years are the most important times to start friendships, Mr. Paydo responded with, “Yes. This is the time to learn to trust and take risks.” Mrs. Borden said, “Absolutely. Just always try to surround yourself with positive people who can uplift you!”
When I was a sixth grader I went into the school not knowing that much about it, so my next question to guidance was what advice they would give to upcoming sixth graders. “My advice to the sixth graders would be, to get involved,” said Mr. Paydo. “Find adults in the building that you can connect with. Practice kindness. Be present and enjoy the journey.” Mrs. Borden would advise students to “be open to all the changes and accept that everything around you is changing but in time you will adjust.”
After talking to staff members, I decided to see what the sixth graders had to say. Emma Pollack said that before school started she did experience some nervousness and anxiety. “People around me were saying some bad things about the school so it made me anxious.” Charlie Dicillo noted that she was scared to lose friends or get involved with drama.
Now, two months into the school year, some of the early nerves have settled. Charlie said, “I feel good. I’ve already made three mutual friends and got to know my teachers.” Emma chimed in with, “ It’s pretty good. I have stuck with my old friends and made friends with some new kids, too.” In fact, both students were able to note a few things about middle school that they actually prefer. Charlie said that she likes that they get more freedom, and Emma enjoys that classes are more challenging and that she likes the different format of switching for core classes. She said that even though there was a lot more work than they did last year there is way more time to do it and that there are no feelings of being rushed.
Asked what advice they have for next year’s students making the transition from elementary to middle school, Emma said, “It’s not really hard, just try to make lots of friends. You should also wear comfy shoes because it’s a lot of walking.” Charlie followed this up with, “ Keep your close friends and always be efficient with your time to study.”
Since it is a common occurrence for students to feel anxious and hesitant for their first year at the middle school, Mayfield staff organizes an orientation day each August so that questions can be answered and students can familiarize themselves with the building and staff members. The sixth-grade orientation includes a building tour, teacher meet and greets, ice breakers, and time for Q&A.
The transition to middle school can be hard, but with good academic strategies and a support system of friends and teachers, the change can be positive.
