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Easing the Transition to a New School

Many elementary school students do not make a smooth transition to middle school. Going from being the oldest students in their elementary school to a totally new environment where they are "low man on the totem pole" is not an experience many students look forward to having. But an idea being implemented at some middle schools might help.

Middle schools that are trying to ease students' transition to a new environment, new approaches, and new expectations often send a "special newsletter" to the parents of students who will be transitioning to their school. The newsletter informs parents of a two-day transitional program for incoming students. That program takes place a week before the school year begins.

The program recognizes that many students lose a significant amount of quality instructional time during the first weeks of school. For that reason, this transition program helps students with tasks that might otherwise confuse and upset them. For example, students get help with locating and opening their lockers, finding their way around the school, getting P.E. uniforms, meeting teachers, connecting with students who might be transitioning from other schools, and handling new lunchroom procedures.

School administrators feel that students who attend this special two-day transition program will start the year more confident and ready to learn.

Read more practical tips from George Pawlas…

• Share the Pride: Six "Pride Statements" Get Year Off to a Great Start
• Getting the Most Out of Parent-Teacher Conferences
• Newsletters: An Essential Tool for Every Principal
• Building Positive Relationships With the Media
• The Benefits of Being an MBWA Principal
• More Tips for Great Newsletters
• 50 Million Students Can't Be Wrong: Improving Perceptions of Your School
• Support Personnel Are P.R. People Too
• Create a School Profile Brochure

Meet Dr. George E. Pawlas George E. Pawlas has written the book on PR for school principals -- literally! In The Administrator's Guide to School-Community Relations, Pawlas presents a treasury of practical tips and strategies for principals. The book includes hundreds of principal-tested ideas, illustrations, and templates to help you create successful school newsletters and other communication tools; use the media to your school's advantage; enhance parent and family involvement; work with the community and local businesses; deal with crisis situations; and much more. Pawlas has been an educator for nearly four decades. He has served as an elementary school teacher and principal, a district administrator, and a state education department consultant. Currently he is a professor of educational leadership at the University of Central Florida. In addition, Pawlas has authored dozens of articles and coauthored three editions of a book on educational supervision. He is a frequent presenter at local and national conferences.

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08/07/2006