Elementary To Middle School Transition

It’s that time of year when our fifth graders are about to step from the elementary school of their childhoods into the uncharted waters of middle school. This can be a process fraught with anxiety for some kids (and parents too) so most elementary schools have a set routine to prepare for this significant milestone. Here is a breakdown of how the process works.

Framingham has eight elementary schools which feed into one of three middle schools:

• Barbieri, Dunning and Hemenway feed to
• Brophy and McCarthy feed to
• Stapleton, Potter and Wilson feed to

I recently spoke to guidance counselor Liz Simon to obtain details on how this process works for both parents and kids.

According to Simon, in the spring, each middle school has an open house for parents and kids to attend. Around this same time the principal from each middle school makes visits to their particular feeder elementary schools. These principal visits take place with transitioning fifth graders approximately two classes at a time in order to create a smaller more intimate setting so the kids feel comfortable. The principal is able to answer questions and concerns the kids may have, let them know more about the process, what to expect and what middle school is like.

At Hemenway, fifth graders are prepared by having different teachers for several subjects so they are accustomed to the practice of switching classes. One teacher in a cluster teaches social studies and another teaches math and so on. This prepares the students for the set-up in middle school where different teachers teach different subjects and there is much movement throughout the school during the day for different subjects.  

Continuing with Hemenway as an example, in May, the fifth graders take a bus to the middle school with their teachers. The middle school principal, assistant principal, teachers and seventh and eighth grade students who attended Hemenway act as guides to tour the school. While students are touring, teachers meet with staff.

Simon said, “Sixth grade teachers in particular are fantastic at providing a bridge from elementary to middle school. They are organized and have good communication with parents which helps enormously. All teachers need parents to be involved and many have class websites so that is another way for parents to communicate and know what’s happening as their kids enter the middle school experience.”

Guidance counselors at both the elementary and middle school levels are there to assist with any concerns you or your child may have. Simon said guidance counselors follow kids from sixth through eighth grade then loop back again so there is consistency for the kids and parents but also the guidance counselor really gets to know the students under their umbrella.

Parents of SPED students will have a transition meeting prior their child’s transition in order for the process and services to remain smooth.

If you have any concerns about this process please contact your child's school or guidance counselor.