8+to+9+Transition

=Rising Freshmen=

===I have been actively involved with 8th to 9th grade transition for quite some time. I have visited several different middle schools, providing information to students, teachers, and parents about the high school experience. These sessions have usually focused on certain priority topics, including:===
 * ===A new kind of schedule===
 * ===Graduation requirements===
 * ===Work expectations===
 * ===Social expectations===
 * ===Getting involved===
 * ===Thinking about transition to college===

===I have had opportunities to visit middle schools, giving presentations to students and faculty over closed circuit television. I have addressed the whole 8th grade class in the cafeteria. I have visited individual classrooms (my favorite) by myself, as well as part of an interdisciplinary team. I have given pre-tests, post-tests, handouts, //Power Points//, and I always enjoy the questions I get from the 8th graders.===

===I have also had opportunities to meet with and train 8th grade teachers on high school pre-registration for the 8th graders. I have found that the teachers appreciate being treated with respect, as professionals in their areas, as I go over the pre-registration process and have Q&A afterwards. I know that they have a lot of impact on how well the pre-registration process goes, and I truly appreciate their help.===

===While the parent presentations can be challenging, I genuinely enjoy the exchange with the 8th grade parents. I usually think of presentations as conversations. Giving information is pretty easy to do, but I like the back and forth that gives me feedback about how well my audience is understanding the material. Also, having recently experienced the transition from 8th to 9th grade with my own daughter, I think I have a greater appreciation for the anxiety some parents experience, and I like to think I do a good job giving good information, answering questions, and setting minds at ease about the transition.===