Tips starting a new school year to make the start of a new school year a satisfying experience
Undoubtedly, the starting a new school year brings exciting changes. For some students, it also means starting a different school.
While changing schools in the middle of the year can be intimidating and uncomfortable for some students, here are some tips to take your mind off your worries and make changing schools in the middle of the year a positive and smooth experience for your student.
Focus on the Benefits
A great way to help your student view the mid-year school change in a positive light is to focus on the benefits it can provide. Does the new school provide interesting or fun opportunities that the old school didn’t offer? Explain to your student that changing schools mid-year allows them to start fresh by keeping what works for them, such as their goals for the second semester, and letting go of what doesn’t, such as school bullies.
Familiarize them with their new setting
Days before the starting a new school year, visit the new center with your student. Especially when no other students are around, to help them become familiar with their new environment and routines.
Being prepared is also helpful for students enrolled in a hybrid school program, those starting online school, or taking AP classes.
Any change in routine can be a complicated adjustment, and taking the time to make sure your student knows where to go, what to bring, and how to get around in their new environment can help assuage some of the typical first-day jitters.
Meet with an academic advisor
It is crucial to meet with an academic advisor to ensure your student’s credits carry over and to inquire if any requirements are needed to move on to the degree or to graduate that you and your student need address.
Also, ask to review the new school’s curriculum and ask where your student can fit into that curriculum. It will ensure no undue academic stress and help your student access additional support services like tutoring.
Also, ask the academic advisor if there is a special education programs or school counselor who can support your student’s mental health during this period of change.
Meet with the teacher
If possible, meet with your student’s teachers before starting a new school year so you can introduce them to the instructor. Ask what procedures they handle to get your student used to the new class, what materials or tools are needed, and if there is any academic work to catch up on.
The fewer surprises your student has when school starts, the better. It is because changing schools in the middle of the year can put your student in the role of an «outsider,» which can be stressful. Therefore, the more you can help your student stay on top of everything, the less stressful it will be for them.
Keep meeting with your student’s teachers throughout the changeover period to stay informed about how your student is doing academically and socially.
Find clubs and extracurricular activities
One of the best ways to help your student not feel like an outsider or just the new kid in the room is to sign them up for a club or extracurricular activity. It will help your student establish friendships with others sharing similar interests and can be a great way to make new friends.
It is also a great way to frame the decision to switch schools mid-year if the new school offers a club or activity that your student enjoys doing or is interested in trying.
Staying connected with old friends
Changing schools in the middle of the school year can become stressful since everything is new, and people naturally perceive the unfamiliar as potentially wrong. So, by staying connected with old friends, your student will have something familiar to help them adjust to a new environment.
Encourage your student to connect with old friends through text messages, phone calls, social networking, and video chats. Set up times for your student and their friends to visit each other in person, if possible.
Maintain open communication with your student
Talking with your student and maintaining open communication about their goals for the second semester can help ease concerns about changing schools mid-year. It allows you to understand why they feel anxious and helps you both create a plan and come up with solutions to any potential problems.
It also allows you to accentuate what may excite them at the beginning in starting a new school year, explore what they want to do differently whit the virtual learning preschool about their hopes and goals, and discovering where they may need additional support (such as tutoring or counseling).
Consider online school
If switching schools mid-year from one traditional school to another becomes too disruptive to your student’s mental health or academic progress, or if the new school isn’t working as it should, consider switching to a learning online school like MGM Academy.
It is where, as your child’s learning coach, you can play an active role in your child’s education and create a learning plan with teachers and academic advisors that best fits your child’s needs and goals for the second school semester.