News and information for staff members and the Madison community
Vol. I No. 7 - June 2, 2006
Whitehorse Middle
Submitted by Rebecca Greenlee (Schenk) and Liz Lusk (Whitehorse) social
workers
For the past five years, Whitehorse Middle has offered Smart Start as an orientation for incoming 6th grade students from Schenk and Kennedy. Smart Start promotes engagement by targeting students who could benefit from a preview of middle school. Criteria for referral includes: students who may have difficulty with organizational challenges, who are anxious about attending middle school, struggle with lower grades, or have attendance concerns. Students and parents have reported that Smart Start was helpful in the transition to 6th grade.
In addition, the 5th graders from our feeder schools spend an afternoon at Whitehorse in late May. They meet the 6th grade teachers, support staff and principal. Eighth grade students speak to them as a whole group in the LMC informing them about Whitehorse and sixth graders meet them in the classrooms and show them around the rooms.
Smart Start will be offered this year on August 29th at Whitehorse. The agenda includes a school tour with trivia quiz, Metro bus trip around the bus attendance area, practice in opening combination locks, main office and health office procedure information, cafeteria orientation, harassment video and 6th grade students sharing "a day in the life of a 6th grader."
Memorial High
Submitted by Carrie Bernhardt, guidance counselor
Memorial's graduating seniors have experienced four years of developmental guidance leading up to "the transition." With post high school options programs, yearly interactive internet based research, Powerpoint classroom presentations, parent meetings, minority college visits, financial aid nights, junior conferences, personal transition conferences for seniors, and more, Memorial strives to provide a continuum of preparation for transitioning after high school.
One of the highlights of all of these initiatives toward successful transition is geared towards parents who want to help their students and themselves! In the fall of the senior year we host an evening for the parents of seniors during which we present practical procedures for moving from school to career, college or other options. We also provide speakers who address family change and anxiety issues, AODA issues, expectations, and other concerns regarding graduating seniors. These presentations draw a large audience to our auditorium; and from parent comments afterwards, we think they really do make a difference in successfully transitioning our seniors to the next level.
Shabazz High
submitted by Sally Schultz, principal
Shabazz prepares students for a successful transition after high school in a variety of ways:
Last Updated: Mon Jul 17 07:54:45 2006
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