Middle school parents again - talk to me about the first day ..UPDATE: It went fine!

[Barb D]

My big kids - 13yoDS and 11yoDD - are going to public school for the first time, starting Monday. I've homeschooled them since the beginning, except that they went to a 2-day a week tutorial for hsers for the last few years (so at least they've had some exposure to being in a classroom with a teacher and other students.)

I'm ALMOST completely sure we're making the right decision to put them in PS now, mostly because of orchestra and advanced math and science resources, but I'm prepared to pull them out if it's a disaster.

They're starting to get very nervous, and I think I'm more nervous than they are. At least they'll be *there*, and knowing what's going on! I have to spend Monday at work, wondering and imagining! Someone at work suggested I ought to drive them the first day, but I was thinking they'd be better off taking the bus so that they arrive with the rest of the kids. What do you all think?

Someone tell me this is going to be OK!

 

[snoopy]

Its gonna be o.k.!

Barb!

 

[Barb D]

I'm starting to tear up even now, and God help me to not start crying Monday morning before they leave! The last day of "school" it suddenly dawned on me that it was our LAST day of homeschooling, and we ALL ended up sobbing! The kids sure don't need that their first day of school!

We have LOVED homeschooling. I'm not ready for this part of our lives to be over.

 

[Tiggeroo]

You are doing the right thing. You made a tough decision to hs, and you knew that was the right decision, this is the same. I hs'd my sons for part of their lives and placed them in school for high school. It was the best decision I"ve made. Once kids hit middle/high school if they are athletic you can't fill the gaps homeschooling.

 

[snoopy]

Awwww, I don't blame you. I don't know anything about homeschooling and the feelings you may be having with no longer doing it, but my baby is going to kindergarden this Monday so I can relate to your fears!

Good luck to your kids, I am sure they will do fine!

 

[poohtown]

it will be ok - and extra exciting for the kids! But I would make sure you all realize that middle school is a hard time already whether they've been home schooled or not. There are so many changes going on - being told to grow up but still feeling like a kid, peer pressure, lots of responsibility, etc.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

Sounds like you've made the right decision. My sister homeschooled all her children, for various reasons and until various ages, but knew when they had outgrown her and then sent them to public school. Her youngest is an astrophysics major at BYU and doing very well.

Your sons need for you to be very strong right now! If they are worrying about you and your reaction they will be more hesitant. Be positive and supportive, at least until you get to work. Let them know how happy you are with this decision, even if you're doubting it right now. This will help them adjust well, which is what you really want!

Good luck and you made the right decision!

T&B

 

[missypie]

It will be great (parent of 2 middle schoolers here). Just make sure you walk the schedule with them, help them decide when to go back to their locker, find out how the lunch line works, practice using a combination lock, etc. It's these kinds of things that make kids nervous. If they know what to expect, it will be a piece of cake (I assume they know about raising their hands, asking permission to leave their desk, etc.)

 

[grinningghost]

It will be OK! My DD is in high school now, but she LOVED middle school. They get a decent amount of "freedom" - enough to make them feel like they're sort of important anyway. There's lots of sports, clubs and activities in middle school too.

I think they'll be fine - and believe it or not, so will you!

 

[Barb D]

Originally posted by missypie
It will be great (parent of 2 middle schoolers here). Just make sure you walk the schedule with them, help them decide when to go back to their locker, find out how the lunch line works, practice using a combination lock, etc. It's these kinds of things that make kids nervous. If they know what to expect, it will be a piece of cake (I assume they know about raising their hands, asking permission to leave their desk, etc.)

Missypie, they don't GET their schedules 'til the first day, and they don't get tested for Gifted/Talented until the second day. After that, their schedules may change. There's way too much unknown here for this control freak's taste.

They did get to try a locker combination and find out where their homerooms are at orientation last week. They are only allowed to go to their lockers first thing in the morning, before and after lunch, and at the end of the day.

 

[jennyanydots]

I've got one in middle school and one starting high school.

my advice -- give it time. don't be quick to pull them out of there are some rough spots.

older dd was stressed beyond belief the first few weeks of middle school, hated being there. but eventually she found her niche. she's enthusiastic about starting high school.

younger dd, my 7th grader, had a rough time for a few months last year -- some very nasty cliquish behavior. she was miserable for awhile. but she rode it out and by the end of the year the nastiness was over and she was tight with a good group of friends.

I know you said you won't ge their schedules until the first day, but can you get into the building and do a few walk throughs to have them become familiar with where they're going? do they have any friends in the school who can act as "mentor" and help them find their way -- literaly as well as figuratively.

 

[Straycat]

I homeschooled my son thru the 6th grade.
First few weeks of 7th grade in public school were an adjustment, no getting around that but kids are quick to adapt.
Your kids will be fine, they may feel a little overwhelmed for a bit but the structure sets in soon enough and everything is fine..

My son is in 10th grade now and thrives in the public school enviornment. Like someone else said, dont be quick to pull them out, give it time.

As far as you are concerned.. you are gonna have a lot more free time on your hands, think of the possibilities =)

 

[Kallison]

Hey Barb -- I work ina middle school. It is not that bad, most of the kids are nice. They are all confused and nervous their first day. If they will be taking the bus daily, then put them on the bus. The teachers help out a lot and are very understanding until they get used to changing classes. After being homeschooled it may be hard for them to handle all the waiting time while the teacher explains everything. Sometimes I get annoyed with all the prep time to do a simple science lab! But truly there are not bullies around every corner! I was so nervous for my oldest to start middle school, but once I worked as an aide it put all my fears to rest. If they pay attention in class and do their homework, they will ace their classes.

 

[Barb D]

Straycat, I work full time and have three kids in three different sets of activities. There won't be any problem with filling time, as I'm sure many of you know.

We've talked about the circumstances under which I would pull them out of school, and we won't do it quickly or take it lightly. We're going into this with the expectation that it's going to work. We've visited the school several times, and I've been impressed with what I've seen. My kids are outgoing, too. I'm sure they'll be fine...I'M the one who'll be a basket case!

 

[Barb D]

The first day of school turned out fine.

I suggested to the kids that they look for other kids who were alone, and introduce themselves. So 8th grade DS walks into his homeroom, sees a kid sitting alone, and starts talking to him. Turns out the kid has been homeschooled all his life, and this is his first day of public school, too! Needless to say, they stuck together. Fortunately they had lots of classes together.

6th grade DD is naturally outgoing. She knew a few girls already, and made TONS more friends. I told her that maybe she'd better not spread herself too thin.

The best news is that I didn't cry all day.

 

[Mimi Q]

I am so glad the first day of school went well for both your children. My older DD really stressed out about going to middle school last year and just loved it from day 1.