Addressing change for students

It is important to remove as much stress from students as possible to clear the way for education. One important stress students face is moving to a new, unfamiliar, building from a site they are comfortable with. At North Branch Area Public Schools, we do everything we can to alleviate that stress and allow transitioning students to return next fall without the anxiety associated with change.

Students starting at Sunrise River School next year will have the Jump Start Kindergarten program, offered through targeted services and made possible by the district’s ever-increasing access to data. Kindergarten orientation will be August 16, 17, and 18, and there will also be an open house. Early Childhood students have already had exposure to Sunrise through activities early this winter. Special education students have had transition meetings and families have been “handed off” to Sunrise.

Students starting at the middle school next year will receive a building tour on June 1 and 2, from 2:30 - 3:30, and Trinity Christian School students have been invited to take part in that event as well. It is a chance to hear about programs and be introduced to staff. A newsletter will be going out soon to middle school families that will also include information about Sneak-a-Peek day on Aug. 25, as well as open house on Aug. 31.

Middle school students starting high school next year have already received an activities orientation, and on Friday, May 27 eighth grade students toured the facility to gain familiarity. Open house will be Aug. 31 from 6 - 8 p.m.

Students completing their high school education and transitioning to STEP (Student Transition & Employability Program) have the opportunity for an extended school year and educational planning meetings have been held with staff and families.

It is hoped that these opportunities will allow students to return to school next fall without the fear of the unknown that comes with changing sites, giving them a chance to start the school year able to focus primarily on their studies.

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