Transition to junior high brings changes, challenges

Lives of students are full of transitions. Many people can likely still recall the feelings they had at some of the major milestones of their time in school.

There are the changes from starting preschool and kindergarten to the first-day jitters of every new grade that follows. And of course there are the triumphs of high school and postsecondary school graduations.

One of these major events occurs when students transition from elementary school to junior high, which begins in seventh grade in Holyoke.

This transition marks many firsts. It’s the students’ first time having dedicated lockers for their school materials and other belongings, and their first time going to different classrooms to learn from several different teachers every day.

It’s also a time where students start to gain more independence and have new opportunities to discover what’s important to them and who they want to be.

Fortunately, Holyoke JR/SR High School is equipped with knowledgeable and helpful staff members who each year help students navigate this sometimes-frightening process.

“This transition comes with a whole host of emotions for both students, parents and siblings,” said Holyoke JR/SR High School counselor Ashley Clayton. “A lot of emotions come from the fear or challenges of the unknown,” she added, noting that if parents have questions or find that their child is struggling, they shouldn’t hesitate to contact her or their child’s seminar teacher.

Each student is assigned a seminar teacher in seventh grade. Most grades have three seminar teachers, and under most circumstances students remain with that teacher until they graduate.

Students work on a number of skills and lessons related to the Holyoke graduate profile during seminar. These include career correctness, perseverance, social-emotional competence, professionalism and effective communication.

For additional support, Clayton visits the elementary school each year to speak to sixth graders who will soon embark on the junior high journey.

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