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Transitioning from 8th to 9th grade can be very stressful for many students. Having to deal with midterms, course selections, and after school activities can become very overwhelming, but the staff at JGMS and BHS have some advice for soon-to-be freshmen.
Transitioning from 8th to 9th grade can be very stressful for many students. Having to deal with midterms, course selections, and after school activities can become very overwhelming, but the staff at JGMS and BHS have some advice for soon-to-be freshmen.
As some people may know, Ms. McDermott is the counselor for the current 8th grade. She has a few comments to make about the transition process.
As some people may know, Ms. McDermott is the counselor for the current 8th grade. She has a few comments to make about the transition process.
Question: Why do you think middle schoolers get stressed/overwhelmed when moving to the high school?
Question: Why do you think middle schoolers get stressed/overwhelmed when moving to the high school?
Answer: This is such a great question. I think 8th graders have many reasons to feel overwhelmed at the idea of moving to the high school. First, stepping into any new transition can bring up some anxiety about the “unknowns”. It can help for students to ask good questions to teachers and their counselor to help put your mind at ease and gain a better understanding of the process. Second, many students worry about class choices and how this may impact college. The most important thing to remember is that you are only going into 9th grade, and it’s time to just focus on having a great start to your high school experience. You will have time later to think about college. Third, we are in the middle of a pandemic and it’s been such an unusual school year for many students. You may be feeling disconnected from friends and school due to some of the isolation of this new reality of life. It can be hard to imagine what a “normal” high school day or experience might look like and we hope that we will be in a better place this fall. It’s a great idea to think about the many ways you can get connected socially with the many great activities offered at the high school to help counteract some of the feelings of boredom or social isolation this year.
Answer: This is such a great question. I think 8th graders have many reasons to feel overwhelmed at the idea of moving to the high school. First, stepping into any new transition can bring up some anxiety about the “unknowns”. It can help for students to ask good questions to teachers and their counselor to help put your mind at ease and gain a better understanding of the process. Second, many students worry about class choices and how this may impact college. The most important thing to remember is that you are only going into 9th grade, and it’s time to just focus on having a great start to your high school experience. You will have time later to think about college. Third, we are in the middle of a pandemic and it’s been such an unusual school year for many students. You may be feeling disconnected from friends and school due to some of the isolation of this new reality of life. It can be hard to imagine what a “normal” high school day or experience might look like and we hope that we will be in a better place this fall. It’s a great idea to think about the many ways you can get connected socially with the many great activities offered at the high school to help counteract some of the feelings of boredom or social isolation this year.
Question: What do you think are some misconceptions about transitioning from middle to high school? How do you try to combat these?
Question: What do you think are some misconceptions about transitioning from middle to high school? How do you try to combat these?
Answer: I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that the work is going to be too challenging and there is a lot more homework. While the homework expectations may increase, remember that your homework expectations have been increasing gradually each year. Teachers increase expectations strategically so you are more prepared for the rigor of high school. If you are not putting in the time and best effort to your studies right now, this is a great time to really crank up work completion and effort. This will help you be more prepared for next year. Another misconception is that upperclassmen are intimidating. I remember the feeling of being welcomed to my high school by my brother’s friends, sports teammates and even upperclassmen in my classes. It was SO fun to meet many new people. I know that this happens at BHS too! The cool thing about the high school is that there is a VERY good chance that you will have upperclassmen in your world language classes, your electives, activities and your lunches. This is a great way to connect with others in your school and even widen your social circle with friends who have similar interests.
Answer: I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that the work is going to be too challenging and there is a lot more homework. While the homework expectations may increase, remember that your homework expectations have been increasing gradually each year. Teachers increase expectations strategically so you are more prepared for the rigor of high school. If you are not putting in the time and best effort to your studies right now, this is a great time to really crank up work completion and effort. This will help you be more prepared for next year. Another misconception is that upperclassmen are intimidating. I remember the feeling of being welcomed to my high school by my brother’s friends, sports teammates and even upperclassmen in my classes. It was SO fun to meet many new people. I know that this happens at BHS too! The cool thing about the high school is that there is a VERY good chance that you will have upperclassmen in your world language classes, your electives, activities and your lunches. This is a great way to connect with others in your school and even widen your social circle with friends who have similar interests.
Question: Any tips you want to give students leaving JGMS? Is there anything else you would like to say?
Question: Any tips you want to give students leaving JGMS? Is there anything else you would like to say?
Answer: I think the best tip that I can give is to not be afraid to be yourself! Take this opportunity to let your peers/teachers know who you are and what makes you AWESOME. We all have unique skills and interests and this is a fantastic time in your life to explore different classes and activities of interest. Another tip is to not be afraid to reach out to teachers and/or counselors if you need help or if you are feeling overwhelmed with the process. We are here to help you and are invested in making this a good transition for you!
Answer: I think the best tip that I can give is to not be afraid to be yourself! Take this opportunity to let your peers/teachers know who you are and what makes you AWESOME. We all have unique skills and interests and this is a fantastic time in your life to explore different classes and activities of interest. Another tip is to not be afraid to reach out to teachers and/or counselors if you need help or if you are feeling overwhelmed with the process. We are here to help you and are invested in making this a good transition for you!
Ms. Milano is a school counselor and AP coordinator at the Bedford high school. I was fortunate enough to get the chance to ask her a few questions.
Ms. Milano is a school counselor and AP coordinator at the Bedford high school. I was fortunate enough to get the chance to ask her a few questions.
Question: What do you think are the best aspects of transitioning from the middle to high school? What do other students think?
Question: What do you think are the best aspects of transitioning from the middle to high school? What do other students think?
Answer: The thing I have heard most frequently from students is that they enjoy having more independence at the high school. I think BHS teachers treat students as the developing young adults you are and that comes with increased independence- both in terms of work and daily interactions in school. There are also a lot of different elective courses to explore, which students tend to like. If you are really interested in one subject, computer science for example, you can continue on into more advanced courses in that area throughout your time in high school. Students also enjoy the many teams, clubs, and other extracurricular opportunities to choose from at BHS.
Answer: The thing I have heard most frequently from students is that they enjoy having more independence at the high school. I think BHS teachers treat students as the developing young adults you are and that comes with increased independence- both in terms of work and daily interactions in school. There are also a lot of different elective courses to explore, which students tend to like. If you are really interested in one subject, computer science for example, you can continue on into more advanced courses in that area throughout your time in high school. Students also enjoy the many teams, clubs, and other extracurricular opportunities to choose from at BHS.
Question: What are some of the changes you think students will need to get used to? Any advice for that?
Question: What are some of the changes you think students will need to get used to? Any advice for that?
Answer: BHS will likely feel bigger than JGMS. Learning how to navigate the building can take time. We have Student Ambassadors who will help you with this and you can ask any teacher or counselor for directions when you need. Teachers understand that you might arrive a bit late to class while you are first learning the building, so try not to worry about this. The high school will seem familiar in no time! Also, since we don’t use the team system, you will have the opportunity to be in classes with many different people- including upperclassmen in elective courses. Students from Hanscom Airforce Base attend the high school and we often have new students moving in from other places. This means that you will have the opportunity to meet a lot of new people. I encourage you to reach out to people and form new connections. Finally, as I mentioned before there is greater independence in high school. This applies to work, meaning you may find your projects and larger assignments are a bit less structured than in middle school. My advice is to be proactive in reaching out to your teacher with questions. We all need help sometimes, and the sooner you speak up for yourself the stronger your relationships with your teachers will be, which will help you to succeed!
Answer: BHS will likely feel bigger than JGMS. Learning how to navigate the building can take time. We have Student Ambassadors who will help you with this and you can ask any teacher or counselor for directions when you need. Teachers understand that you might arrive a bit late to class while you are first learning the building, so try not to worry about this. The high school will seem familiar in no time! Also, since we don’t use the team system, you will have the opportunity to be in classes with many different people- including upperclassmen in elective courses. Students from Hanscom Airforce Base attend the high school and we often have new students moving in from other places. This means that you will have the opportunity to meet a lot of new people. I encourage you to reach out to people and form new connections. Finally, as I mentioned before there is greater independence in high school. This applies to work, meaning you may find your projects and larger assignments are a bit less structured than in middle school. My advice is to be proactive in reaching out to your teacher with questions. We all need help sometimes, and the sooner you speak up for yourself the stronger your relationships with your teachers will be, which will help you to succeed!
Question: Any tips you want to give students entering BHS? Is there anything else you would like to say?
Question: Any tips you want to give students entering BHS? Is there anything else you would like to say?
Answer: My first tip for incoming 9th graders is to take your 8th grade teachers’ recommendations for your course levels seriously and to be careful not to take on too much in your schedule. Going to high school is a big transition- give yourself some time to adjust without being overwhelmed by your academics. You can always add challenges as you move forward when you are ready. My second recommendation is to get involved! Join a club, a team, a musical ensemble or anything that looks interesting to you. I encourage you to try something new and different. Joining in will help you to make friends and enjoy your high school experience as much as possible. Congratulations to our incoming class of 2025! We can’t wait to see you next year at BHS.
Answer: My first tip for incoming 9th graders is to take your 8th grade teachers’ recommendations for your course levels seriously and to be careful not to take on too much in your schedule. Going to high school is a big transition- give yourself some time to adjust without being overwhelmed by your academics. You can always add challenges as you move forward when you are ready. My second recommendation is to get involved! Join a club, a team, a musical ensemble or anything that looks interesting to you. I encourage you to try something new and different. Joining in will help you to make friends and enjoy your high school experience as much as possible. Congratulations to our incoming class of 2025! We can’t wait to see you next year at BHS.
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