Middle school gets a bad rap. Movies, books, TV shows, even family stories paint a bleak picture of bullies and demanding teachers. While middle school years can be incredibly difficult for some, it’s also an exciting time where students can expand their world, try their hand at new things.
“Middle school is so much fun and there are so many new opportunities for kids,” says Maria Enourato, guidance counselor at Avon Middle School. “It is a time for discovery and exploration that can be filled with great experiences.”
For students who are new to middle school, helping them to make a smooth transition makes a difference so they can take advantage of what these years have to offer.
Anxiety for most middle schoolers generally falls into two categories—adjusting to new academic expectations, and finding a sense of belonging in their school and with their peers.
“The biggest areas of struggle for kids is organization and a sense of belonging,” Enourato says. “This is typically the first time when students switch classes for every subject and staying organized is an issue. Middle school is also a time where friend groups may change… They get to meet new people and sometimes there are adjustments to their friend groups.”
Michelle Winchell of Copley saw this play out as she helped her daughter Monroe prepare to enter Copley Fairlawn Middle School. Monroe was excited to start at her new school and looked forward to having her own locker, switching classes, new friends and activities, but even so, worries crept in.
“Like many students, Monroe was concerned about not having classes or recess with her old friends and worried about not making new ones,” Michelle recalls. “It’s hard to get to know others when you’re in classes all day. She was also stressed about incoming homework because she knew she would have more than ever before.”
These feelings are incredibly common among students everywhere, and at Copley Fairlawn Middle School, it inspired Joshua Harris, language arts teacher to introduce the WEB Leadership program to the building. This mentorship program pairs eighth-grade leaders with groups of incoming fifth graders to show them the ropes of their new school, guide them throughout the year, and help with everything from opening their lockers, to developing study skills, to lessons on how to be a good friend.
“When fifth graders come to orientation, the first person they talk to, the first one to give them an in-depth talk about what it means to be in middle school, is a WEB Leader,” Harris says. “These leaders can do something that I can’t do, or that any teacher or counselor or principal can’t do. They can look at these fifth graders and tell them, ‘I get it. I understand what you’re going through because I was just there and here’s how I dealt with it.’ Belonging means something different now than when I was their age, and these eighth graders get it better than I can.”
This peer-to-peer influence is something Enourato sees in her school as well. While school counselors are actively involved in helping kids settle
into their new school, she knows fellow students play a huge role in making their community welcoming.
“School counselors are always available to help with the transition as well, academically and socially,” she says. “There are a lot of different things we do behind the scenes to help students even before they enter our building. Parents can also reach out to any older kids they may know that have been through to ask for advice. Kids will more likely take advice from a peer.”
Enourato also emphasizes how important getting involved in school activities is to fostering that sense of belonging and connection middle schoolers crave.
“Extracurriculars are super important at this age,” she says. “They allow students an outlet to be carefree and have fun. It gives them a sense of belonging as they are part of a team or group that has similar interests. It gives them an opportunity to learn about teamwork, and meet new people. It also helps teach kids to manage their time better. Students that are involved in activities tend to prioritize what needs to be done more efficiently.”
Learning how to prioritize and independently manage work is a critical skill for middle schoolers, and parents play a key role helping kids build good study habits.
“Parents need to make sure they set up regular after school routines that help support academic success, such as checking homework agendas, having a quiet workspace, and great time management,” Enuarto says. “Setting these routines earlier in the school year will allow parents to step back once their child has it down.”
These routines are different for every student and finding the right one takes some trial and error. For Winchell, it also included finding creative ways to reinforce what Monroe is learning.
“Monroe’s routine included decompressing by grabbing a snack and watching a quick show then turning on some music and tackling her homework,” she says. “Monroe also found it was helpful to watch movies or documentaries around topics she was learning about in school.”
However, when school work begins to feel stressful, or parents suspect bullying, it’s important to remember there are always people at school who care and want to help, whether that’s peer mentors, teachers, or guidance counselors.
“School counselors are always available to help with the transition as well, academically and socially,” Enourato says. She, and professionals like her, are ready and available for kids and parents alike.
“I think it’s important to help students understand the counselor’s role in school,” Winchell adds. “They should be encouraged to get to know their counselor and feel welcome to talk about anything anytime and get the support they need.”
Middle school is full of change and challenges, but kids have an amazing chance to invest in themselves and their school. Finding ways to get involved, to foster a sense of belonging, and to build organizational skills for a strong academic foundation will all go a long way to making middle school a positive experience.
