Transitions from Elementary School

Home / Transitions from Elementary School

Grade 5→6 Transitions

5th Grade Classroom Visits: During the spring of 5th grade, J.F.K. Middle School counselors will visit with each of the 5th grade classes. During individual classroom visits to Bridge Street, Ryan Road, Leeds and Jackson Street Elementary Schools 5th graders will be introduced to the structure and climate of J.F.K. Students will be given information regarding the daily schedule, required and elective course offerings, and extra-curricular activities. The emphasis of our presentation to students is placed on reassuring them that their elementary school experience has prepared them well for J.F.K., and that there are many adults in our building who will be focused on helping them get used to their new routine.

Parent/Guardian Informational Evening: This evening presentation hosted by Ms. Marien (Principal), Mr. Napoli (Associate Principal), and Ms. Loughrey (Associate Principal) and the Counseling Department is intended to welcome parents and guardians to the middle school. We will present information regarding:  the middle school model, scheduling, curriculum, support services, and clubs and activities.  The evening will also include a tour of the building, and an introduction to a parent member of the JFK School Council and PTO. We hope you will join us!

J.F.K. Tour and Student Panel: The culmination of the spring transition activities for district 5th graders is a field trip to J.F.K. for the morning. Upon entering, we lead students down the path they will take on the first day of school, as our practice is to have all 6th graders gather in the cafetorium on the opening morning of school in September. During this visit students will learn more from school counselors about the daily routine – homeroom, lunch, the eight period day, exploratory block, band, chorus, STEAM and strategies for learning. They will tour the first floor of the building, visiting the two hallways housing the six grade teams. One of the biggest surprises for students who are seeing the 6th grade team classrooms is learning how the team classrooms are often located directly across the hall or right next door to one another! Students will see that they don’t have far to go most of the time when they will be moving from one place to another as a 6th grader at J.F.K.

The highlight of the field trip to J.F.K. is undoubtedly the student panel. Current 6th graders will speak candidly to our visiting students about their experiences transitioning to J.F.K., often sharing meaningful advice and dispelling fears.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to contact the counseling department regarding any questions or concerns they may have regarding the transition to grade 6.

Perhaps the most important piece of information for all students to keep in mind upon entering J.F.K. is that the true orientation begins upon your arrival. We do not expect students to enter the building already knowing their way around. There are lots of adults here whose exact purpose is to help students learn their new routine and support their transition. Each student will be assigned a team of teachers who will work closely to ensure they have the best possible entry to J.F.K.