Making the move from elementary school to junior high is a big transition - and not just for students.

Lake Highlands resident and mother of three, Dawn Gray, offers tips and insider knowledge to help bridge the gap for parents of incoming 7th graders.

Her lessons "from a mom who's been there" are of definite benefit to new parents entering the uncharted waters of junior high school.




1. DO keep that checkbook handy, but don’t get too attached to your calendar.

There will be many "opportunities" to write checks throughout junior high – never fear, there are few that exceed $20, but be prepared.

Use a pencil with a good eraser for calendar entries – times change, locations change, and details change. Many times these changes come at the last minute... flexibility will be key!

2. DO make friends with at least a few other parents and talk often.

You’d be surprised how many conversations take place among junior high parents that go something like this:

Mom 1: "Last night Suzie stayed up past midnight working on that History project for Mr. Smith’s class that’s due tomorrow."
Mom 2: "(Gasp!) Billy’s in that class….he’s been saying for 2 weeks that he has no homework!"

Another way to get plugged in is to be certain that you are on the class email list.

If you don’t know what this is, just ask another parent – they can help get you connected.

3. DO NOT expect to breeze through the drive-thru at 3:30 p.m., pick up your child and be back on the road at 3:35 p.m.

There will be traffic. Some people will not be as polite as others, and you will get frustrated. Just remember the golden rule and take deep cleansing breaths!

4. DO NOT rule out a cell phone for your child.

Some children already have cell phones before they even set foot on the junior high school grounds.

However, many parents are of the belief that 12 and 13-year-olds have no business with a cell phone.

If your child is involved in extracurricular activities, whether it be sports, clubs or fine arts – you will soon realize that the cell phone can be a gift to the parents and a necessity.
(Refer to Item 1 – specifically time changes.)

5. DO make an effort to participate in school events.

This is the best way to really understand the environment in which your child now lives for over 30 hours a week.

6. DO find out how each of your child’s teachers prefer to communicate.

There are many forms of communication in RISD: email messages, Charms or Blackboard.

The faculty at the junior highs are wonderful about communicating clearly with parents, but always keep in mind you are one of over 100 parents each teacher comes in contact with – unlike the elementary school where you were one of only 20 or 30.