In an effort to help students with their
transition from Middle School to High School, Tamarac's ninth
grade came together on September 23 to share their questions and
concerns and listen to advice from older students, faculty and
staff.
Students first shared a breakfast together
then broke into smaller groups. In the groups, students were
able to ask questions and share their concerns about starting
High School. Older classmates and teachers helped answer their
questions and offered tips for success.
Members of the National Junior Honor
Society also talked with students about character education and
encouraged them to get involved in student activities. Teachers
and counselors shared resources that are available for students
and addressed issues such as bullying.
At the end of the discussion groups,
teachers and counselors worked with students to create goals for
themselves. Students were encouraged to consider things they've
struggled with in the past that would make them a better student
if they accomplished the goal. Those goals will be revisited later in
the school year to help students accomplish them.
High School teacher Tim Jacques explained
the idea for the event came from concerns about the nature of
the difference between Middle School and High School.
With students often sharing similar
schedules in Middle School, there often is a natural sense of
togetherness. But as students enter High School, with different
course options to take, students can lose some of that group
identity.
"We wanted to try to make them feel more
like they're together as a class," Mr. Jacques explained.
