Granville Preps Sixth Graders for Seventh-Grade Success
The end of sixth grade can be exciting yet nerve-wracking for students. In a few short months, they'll leave behind the familiar hallways of Granville Elementary School and journey to the much larger Junior/Senior High School building.
To help ease worries about moving to a new school, the district hosted its annual "Bridge to Seventh Grade" event. The evening provided soon-to-be seventh graders and their families with a glimpse into the academics, activities, and adventures that await them after moving from Elementary School.
The event, held at the Junior/Senior High, gave students and their families a chance to meet the staff, hear from tenth and eleventh grade students, and become more familiar with the building they will be attending in the fall.
High School Guidance Counselor Elizabeth Mulvaney coordinated the event with Elementary School Counselor Nick Healy and knows it can be a huge help.
"We held our first Bridge Night last year and heard from parents and students about how much it helped them to be less anxious and feel more confident about entering seventh grade," said Ms. Mulvaney.
An important part of the night was helping students feel comfortable with the new experience of changing classes. They were encouraged to walk the hallways and see where all their classes would be held.
"It's a big adjustment from being in one classroom most of the day to having three minutes to move from class to class. Giving students and families a chance to explore the school was a welcome part of the event," said Mr. Healy.
Parents can also be worried about the move from sixth to seventh grade.
"We know it's a transition for parents too. So we make sure they know that the teachers, staff, and administration are always here to answer questions and support them and their students," said Ms. Mulvaney.
Other student-led activities are planned in the spring to help students with the move to middle school, including rising eighth graders visiting GES to share what their first year in a new building was like.
"Hearing from peers has such an impact. Knowing that they had struggles, but everything worked out, gives the sixth graders confidence that they can handle things too," said Mr. Healy.
The last part of the process is guided tours by graduating seniors. The seniors introduce sixth graders to teachers and show them around the different areas of the school.
"It's great to get the point of view of the older kids. They introduce their favorite teachers and share stories of their experiences. It is a rite of passage, and both the sixth graders and seniors look forward to it," said Ms. Mulvaney.
