Is the Leap to Middle School Too Big?
The difference between fifth and sixth grade in Bernards Township schools is quite large.
They made it! Eighth grade graduation at the William Annin Middle School in Basking Ridge.
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Each year, a new crop of fifth graders from all four schools around Bernards Township (each with its own personality) prepares to make a rite of passage into a brave new world — sixth grade, at the William Annin Middle School.
Inevitably, students do make the transition — but usually with more than a little trepidation. Suddenly, there are changing classes, much more responsibility, more rules, a loss of that cozy elementary school atmosphere, and — as this year's homework survey of parents and students indicates — much more homework.
Of course, there are many doors opened for elementary students entering middle school, many with unexpected benefits. My older son, who hates to sit still, was able to focus better simply because he had the opportunity to rush from class to class.
And it's not as if the opportunity for preparation isn't there. The move is discussed at all levels and parents and students have a chance to visit the middle school.
Parents also have told me that the camp between elementary and middle school is a giant help in preparing students to make the transition. Unfortunately (full disclosure here), we weren't able to schedule that for my second son. And I wasn't able to send him for half (when he was available) for half price.
So, should more of those camp actvities/preparation be incorporated into the end of the fifth grade year? I would think so.
This year's homework survey turned up the most complaints about the amount of homework in the middle school — roughly around seventh grade. (The presentation on the homework survey is online at the Bernards Township school website, filed under the January 9 meeting date agenda.
I've been through the middle school experience twice. Both times, seventh grade was a tough year. Not that there's anything wrong with tough years. But maybe the question should be whether the move to that level should be a little more gradual.
Just a few weeks ago, I spoke at a social event to a dad who had moved into the Bernards school district with his children when one was in the eighth grade. He described that as his tough year. But, of course — like many parents and students I've talked to, he thought that his student's move to Ridge High School was made much easier by the preparation received in middle school.
Is the answer to make middle school a little easier? Or to make fifth grade (particularly the end of the school year) a little tougher?
Let us know what you think in the comments section below. We love to hear from you — and to hear varying opinions.
Colleen Epple Pine
12:50 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
We found the transition for child #1 to be huge. Having the hind-sight for child #2 made it much easier. ABSOLUTELY schedule any and every summer program that is available to help with the introductions to the building, scheduling and the atmosphere. Funny you should ask this--just last night we spoke to a neighborhood girl who is already feeling the nerves for NEXT September! As a current 5th grader, she has her own inclination of the difficulty that may be ahead. I welcomed her to chat with my Girl Scout Troop (current 11th graders at Ridge) to help ease with the transition and put some humor into the mix. A buddy system is a wonderful way for the students to feel cared for and understood. Teachers and parents can't do that in the same way that a "big sister" or "big brother" can! I love the idea of peer group gatherings to chip away at the middle school jitters and to set up some open communication with the upper-class students who really love to take a younger friend under wing.
Andi Williams
1:11 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
I have felt that all three of my kids were very ready to take the leap and become 'grown ups.' However, we did sign them all up for the Camp Jumpstart program which took away all the fear and mystery of the 'big school.' It was a valuable experience for them as they met new peers, met many of the teachers, became accusomed to the locker system, navigated the labyrinth of corridors and classrooms and completed some academics. My only complaint is that it is very expensive and therefore very exclusionary, serving only those who can afford such a hefty price tag. That seems all wrong to me - why should only the privileged benefit?
Colleen Epple Pine
2:32 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
YES, Andi! Totally agreed. Something like this should not be cost prohibited.
Linda Sadlouskos
3:19 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012
The other issue with Camp Jumpstart — which seems almost mandatory — is that sometimes people just can't work around their schedule. Could some of this preparation be added to the last few weeks of fifth grade so ALL students could benefit?
BR Mom
8:02 am on Thursday, January 26, 2012
The middle school experience was much worse for my son than for my daughter. The boys seem to get in trouble (lunch detentions abound) for minor infractions, which makes the entire middle school experience bad for boys' self esteem. I don't believe it is warranted. I realize that this was not the purpose of this article, but perhaps the middle school experience is more difficult for boys than for girls because of the ridiculous strict rules that abound there.
Overall, I was thrilled with the teachers at the middle school. They seemed to have a lot more real-world experience than the high school teachers do (many of them are very young). I always felt that the administration at the middle school was a bit too ridiculous, making it feel like the "jail" that students complain about. Is that how we want our kids to feel about school?
SZ
8:06 pm on Thursday, January 26, 2012
Camp Jumpstart was great and definitely eased the transition. The overall transition is dependent on the individual child and their development. Middle school can be a tough transition academically and socially. Overall, i agree with BR Mom that the boys get in trouble more and their school experience can be negatively impacted, which extends into high school. A greater focus on individual success is needed at WAMS and RHS, along with an understanding of different learning styles and teen brain development.
JKW
2:03 pm on Friday, January 27, 2012
The transition from 5th to 6th is not only difficult for students but parents as well. I am wondering why I am being asked to help my son select a foreign language and choose whether he would like to participate in band/orch or chorus by Feb. 15th when a parent information meeeting does not take place until March 6th. Wouldn't we, as parents be better able to advise our children if we have had our questions asked/ answered. It makeds no sense that this meeting occurs after the fact. Certainly, the administration must know that parents are anxious about the middle school. It would make more sense, then if they had planned this transition meeting differently!
jazzman
10:49 am on Saturday, January 28, 2012
I don't believe there is a gender bias with regards to discipline at WAMS. If your child received a lunch detention it is because he chose not to follow the clearly defined rules in the cafeteria. I am glad they have rules and consequences for those students who chose not to obey, because it is a small space and a lot of children. Things could get out of hand quickly if they did not have effective rules in place.