Counselor Information

Do you have questions regarding your student’s class choices or electives? Do you want more information about Pre-AP classes? If so, please email our counselor / registrar, Mrs. Pritchard kpritchard@mesquiteisd.org

Please include your student’s full name and date of birth.

You are more than welcome to email in Spanish as well. Ustedes pueden enviar un correo electrónico en español.

Español

Feeling Nervous about Starting a New School?

It is completely normal to feel anxious or nervous about starting middle school or coming to a new one. It makes sense because going to middle school is a big deal! The more you know of what to expect and how to cope, the less nervous you will be. We’ve put together some steps to help ease your nerves before school starts.

1. Attend orientation. In August, right after you receive your schedule on Skyward and before school starts, we will have several opportunities to walk your schedule and ask your questions. We will schedule a 6th grade night and a 7th / 8th grade night. In the meantime, check out our virtual tour video! Also check out our “Meet the Staff” videos to get to know all of the friendly people who are so excited to meet you!

2. Talk with your friends. Call your friends from your previous year of school to ask what classes they are in with you. Hopefully you’ll have a familiar face in each class but if not, be open to making new friends. Be the person that says hi to someone new. That’s the easiest way to make new friends. Remember that everyone is in the same boat!

3. Talk to an older sibling about middle school. Students who have experienced middle school will remember what it was like to be nervous when they were starting middle school. They can help you and give you tips they wish they would have known. If you don’t have an older sibling, talk with a friend who does.

4. Think about how you felt when you started elementary school. You were probably just as worried as you are now. Now that you are done with elementary school, you know there was nothing to be worried about. Think to yourself “I can do this”! You have done it before and now it is time to do it again.

5. Start thinking about the best things that could happen to you on your first day. Don’t dwell on what could go wrong. New beginnings and fresh starts are exciting!

6. Understand that the teachers, counselors, administrators, and school staff will be there to help you. They know that it’s your first time at middle school, and they will help you figure out where you need to go. Woolley is new to everyone! We will all have lots of practice getting to know our new building. You will not be in trouble for not knowing where to go.

7. Relax. You’re not the first person to be nervous or feel weird. You have friends that might feel that way too, share your feelings with some of your friends and compare your feelings to theirs. Chances are, they won’t be too different.

8. Start going to sleep a bit early a week or so before the first day of school. Prepare your body and your brain for your new routine. Put your phone away, turn off the video games and get quality sleep. Most middle schoolers need around 8 to 9 hours of sleep.

9. Make sure you have your things ready for school the night before so you won’t be late. Have a copy of your schedule ready to go as well! Yes, it’s on your phone, but write it down on a piece of paper too, just in case.

10. Ask questions. Some students are too shy to ask a teacher a question. But, if you don’t ask, it will only make matters worse. Especially talk to a teacher or somebody you know passing through the hallway if you get lost.

11. Parents: You’ve got a big job as well. Stay positive about school and talk to your children. Stay realistic with what to expect and really listen to your child’s worries. Talk through these worries. Have a plan for school drop off and pick up. Share this plan with your child and adjust as needed.

STILL WORRIED? Reach out to your counselors to ask questions or to talk. We are here to help you!