As enrollment season begins and we look ahead to the next school year, it’s an exhilarating time for all Niles families. For students transitioning from one level to the next, be it preschool to elementary school or any other level, excitement is likely to set in soon. With that excitement, a little nervousness about the transition is to be expected. This is especially true when children transition from elementary to secondary programming.

With the help of a good support system at home and in the classroom, students can be equipped with the tools they need to take on a new grade level, a new school and a new school year.

Though it may seem early to think about next fall, Niles Community Schools is already putting measures in place to help students transition from the elementary to the secondary environment and expectations. Teachers are the first line of defense in navigating the transitional years. With each school year comes increased accountability for our students, whether it be course load, homework or completing tasks on their own.

As students progress through the grade levels, they are held responsible for assigned tasks, and they no longer hold the hands — literally or figuratively — of their teachers. Nonetheless, teachers at all levels understand the obstacles students face and are ready to assist.

To make these transitions easier on your child, be sure to help get them organized.

As they transition in to higher grades, they will juggle more courses and information than before. Helping them by designating each class to a different colored folder, or assigning an order to homework will help keep them accountable and ensure no class falls through the cracks. Again, reach out to your child’s teacher for additional ideas on organization — they are experts in this area.

We encourage parents to open a dialogue with their children about the responsibility change ahead of them. Parents should also work collaboratively with their children’s teachers to ensure the success of their child.

With that in mind, it is important to check in with the child often. Talk to them about workload, activities at school, tests and their extracurricular activities. Make sure they have the support they need to balance it all but also know that all of our secondary schools have after school assistance available to them and individual conferences can be scheduled with their teachers.

Furthermore, the study habits built in students in elementary and middle school are habits that will carry on to high school and post-graduation. Parents can support their children by helping them develop good learning habits early on, and this will aid in their education as they transition to each new school. A solid study regimen will be irreplaceable as course work gets more challenging later.

Most importantly, students inhabit the attitudes and behaviors of their parents — if you have a positive attitude about education, your child likely will, too. Positive reinforcement for good grades are great incentives (like extra time playing with friends or playing games for a good test score). Reinforcing good study habits can give students motivation to succeed. 

While transitioning from a new grade or new school is natural for students, the help from parents and teachers can make it that much more enjoyable.

I have only touched on a few ideas of how to help and I strongly urge parents to reach out to our teachers, administrators and staff for assistance. As the 2017-18 school year reaches its final months, Niles Community Schools welcomes all parents and students entering a new school — or new to our community — to stop by and learn about the district.

A new school is not meant to be a hardship, but rather a new and exciting chapter in students’ lives — and regardless of the school transitions that occur within our district, remember, your child remains a Viking. Go Vikings!

Note: Elementary school families interested in getting a glimpse into the next chapter are welcome to stop by Ring Lardner Middle School on April 17 from 6-7 p.m. for an open house. For questions regarding enrollment, or to get enrolled, call (269) 683-0736.

Dr. Dan Applegate is the superintendent of Niles Community Schools.