Navigating the Transition to Secondary School: An 8-Step Guide for Parents

The shift from elementary school to middle school and middle to high school are significant milestones filled with excitement– and a touch of uncertainty. As your steadfast partner, Provo City School District is here to make this transition seamless for you and your child. Here’s how you can work together to ensure a successful journey:

Establish a Solid Routine

Independence grows during secondary schooling, and time management becomes vital. Help your child craft a weekly routine that includes setting alarms, handling assignments, and managing their schedule. Foster self-reliance and life skills now by developing some basic routines.

Read the article “Building Healthy Routines for Students.” You’ll find generalized suggestions and tips to help tailor the proper routine for you and your family.

Tackle Procrastination

Encourage your child to complete tasks before deadlines, setting their own “soft” due dates. Break more significant assignments into manageable pieces with their deadlines, reducing the stress of last-minute cramming.

Maintain Existing Friendships

Changing schools can disrupt friendships. Support your child in maintaining connections with old friends and teachers, even if they’re moving to a new district. These bonds contribute to emotional well-being and academic engagement.

Prioritize Organization

Equip your child with tools for organization—a daily planner, a well-equipped backpack, and organized notes. These systems lay the groundwork for a successful academic journey.

Read the article “Boosting Student Organization: Tips for Parents.” Scholastic recommends how creating a calendar and home study kit can significantly impact student success.

Set Goals Together

Work with your child to set SMART goals—specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. Guide them in developing plans across different areas of life, promoting holistic growth.

Read the article “SMART Goals” from MindTools to learn how to utilize the universally recognized goal-setting tactic to your and your student’s advantage.

Keep an Eye on the Future with CTE Courses

Discuss future aspirations, whether college or a particular career. Having a direction in mind can shape decisions and set a positive trajectory for high school. 

Each school has several Career and Technical Education courses. Contact your school to get your student started on a pathway toward academic and career success, or visit our CTE webpage for more information.

Prioritize Mental Health

Acknowledge the challenges and pressures secondary school can bring. Encourage open discussions about mental health and teach coping mechanisms, like journaling and maintaining a healthy sleep routine.

Read healthychildren.org’s article on Mental Health in pre-teens and teenagers for a comprehensive look at time-tested and data-driven practices to support your child’s mental well-being, as well as signs that your child might be experiencing mental health challenges.

Explore Extracurricular Activities

Encourage your child to experience friendship-building activities beyond the school day by exploring extracurricular activities, such as our robust theater programs, sports leagues, or school slubs. These activities offer avenues for growth and camaraderie.

At Provo City School District, we’re more than an educational institution—we’re your partner. With these strategies in your toolkit, transitioning to high school can be a rewarding adventure for your family.

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