Transitioning into High School: Changes that Shape your Child’s Success in School

1. Transitioning into High School:  Changes that Shape your Child’s Success in School

2. Eighth graders are often excited about going to high school. High school offers: • More freedom and more choices. • The opportunity to participate in more activities. • The opportunity to develop friendships.

3. But 8th graders also have a lot of worries. They are often concerned about: • Older students teasing them and getting lost in a bigger school. • Making bad grades. • Teachers giving them much more and much harder work.

4. Some children have a difficult transition into 9th grade Because there is increased focus on friendships and “fitting in”, some students may lose confidence in themselves and try to be like others. For some students this can cause big changes in attitude and behavior at school. The good news: academic and social challenges often calm down by 11th or 12th grade.

5. What students find out… Most older students are willing to help incoming students and even make good friends. The school doesn’t seem nearly as large or difficult to get around in as they often fear. They really did not have problems getting lost.

6. However, high school is definitely more difficult. While students like being able to choose their classes and extracurricular activities, highschool seems much more difficult and demanding than middle school.

8. Graduation RequirementsCredits + Keystone Exams + Graduation Project = Standards Based High School Diploma Successfully complete 21 credits (can earn 6.5 credits per year). Specific credit requirements are: (1 credit = 1 full school year) 4 credits English 4 credits Social Studies 3 credits Science 3 credits Math 2 credits PE/Health 5 credits Electives

9. Overview of High School Special Education Programs • Currently 424 students • Learning Support, Emotional Support, Autistic Support classes, Itinerant Emotional and Autistic Support Services and related services: Speech/Language, OT, PT, Vision, Hearing, Adolescent Counseling • Changes for 2014-15 School Year T.O.E. from BCIU– Special Learning Support and AS/ES class (programs will remain virtually same) New 18-21 yr old program Transition Program: STEP (Student Transition Experience Program)

10. Learning how to study and how to manage time continue to be major concerns once students make the transition into high school.

11. Resource Room/Study Skills Class • Student learn study/organization skills and receive support for regular classes • Offered as 3 day or 6 day course • Grades are given • Counts as an elective credit

12. Before/After School Academic Help Located in NHS Library Monday through Thursday 6:45 – 7:10 am and 2:45 – 4:00 pm Friday 6:45 – 7:10 am

13. Important high school decisions start in 8th grade • Transition planning is required to begin at age 14 as part of the IEP process • Talk with your child about future goals. Do these goals require a college education or specialized training? Do you your and your child’s goals match? • If your child keeps clear goals in mind, school will seem more important. • Students who are planning to go to college or specialized training will benefit from taking higher level math and English classes. • Transition resources on HS Special Ed Department webpage http://www.neshaminy.org/Page/26828

15. Participation in school activities is important Encourage your children to think about what sports, clubs, or organizations they may want to become involved with next year. Some activities include: Art Drama Environmental Action Club Future Business Leaders of America Interact Science Club Service Learning Club SPECTRUM Ultimate Frisbee World Affairs World Language Athletics Band/Orchestra/Choir Student Council Yearbook

16. Stay involved at school Attend parent/teacher conferences, IEP meetings and your child’s school activities. Contact the teacher, IEP case manager or school counselor when you have questions about any of the following: • A class, scheduling, or attendance. • Changes in behavior or attitude. • Questions about graduation credits. Monitor your child’s progress on Home Access

17. Talk with your child about school and friends. Be a good listener! Openers for discussion: • What is your favorite class? • What do you enjoy most about your favorite class? • Who do you like to work with in your class or after school activity?

18. High school can be stressful for your child. You can help manage the stress. • Establish a schedule for homework • Provide healthy food and snack choices at home. • Encourage regular exercise. • Routinely allow 9 – 10 hours of sleep per night.

19. Your child is learning how to be a successful adult. • Model patience and understanding. • Show caring and concern. • View her mistakes as opportunities to learn more about herself and develop values. • Praise effort to support a “growth” mindset

20. What is mindset?

21. Fixed Mindset With a fixed mindset, people believe their basic qualities, like their intelligence or talent are simply fixed traits. They spend their time documenting their intelligence or talent instead of developing them. They also believe that talent alone creates success –without effort. They’re wrong.

22. Growth Mindset With a growthmindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work –brains and talent are just the starting point. This view creates a love of learning and a resilience that is essential for great accomplishment. Virtually all great people have had these qualities. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWv1VdDeoRY

23. Most Importantly Stay connected… with the school with other parents with your child.

24. Contact Information Lorraine Johnson High School Special Education Supervisor ljohnson@neshaminy.k12.pa.us John Iannacone Middle School Special Education Supervisor jiannacone@neshaminy.k12.pa.us

25. Comments/Questions