Cougar Pause: Helping Your Students Thrive At A New School
July 28, 2016 at 4:25 p.m.
By Scott Wiley-
Whether it is a change to a new school district or a change from elementary to middle school or middle school to high school, entering a new school can be challenging for parents and children. However, these challenges are not necessarily the same. Here is what the ACSI has to say:
Two important variables in adaptability are age and personality. Generally speaking, the older the student, the more difficult the transition. No matter the age, some personalities deal with change better than others. It is important to acknowledge your child’s fears and concerns. Take extra time to listen and validate their emotions. You should be sensitive to how your child deals with stress. If they don’t express themselves well, provide some outlet for them to express their emotions. Try to establish relationships with families within your child’s grade as early as possible. Reaffirm in your own mind the reasons you have chosen Lakeland Christian Academy and communicate these positive reasons to your children.
Understanding the varying concerns of students and parents at different age and grade levels.
In kindergarten to third grade, a student’s concerns are, “Does my teacher like me? Am I special?” The parent concerns are, “Will my child adjust to school?”
In fourth through sixth grade, a student’s concern is, “Will my peers like me?” A parent’s concern is, “Is my child academically fit?”
For seventh through eighth grade, a student’s concern is, “I want to fit in (and not stand out), I want to do what my peers are doing.” The parent’s concern is, “What is the character of my child?”
Finally, for high school, the student’s concerns are, “I want to be accepted and be part of everything, yet I am significantly different. I also want to do my own thing and be recognized for my uniqueness.” The parent’s concern is, “What are the values my child will live by?”
Please remember that you and your children are not alone when adjusting to LCA. Not only will you be surrounded by compassionate and caring teachers and staff, you will also be a part of a true LCA family. The most important thing to remember however is that you and your children will be prayed for everyday and that they are in a safe school that is lead by the Holy Spirit.
If you are not currently enrolled at LCA and would like to see what LCA is all about, you are invited to LCA’s open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Our home is your home as we invite you to tour our 40-acre campus and meet with our teachers, staff and parents. You will also be able to talk with our students to find out what life is like at LCA. Administrators will be on hand to inform you of the enrollment process and financial aid programs including scholarships and the school voucher program. This open house is open to anyone in our community. We are even offering a coupon for free registration for new families that attend our open house.
We are now open for enrollment for the 2015-16 school year. If you have any questions, contact Scott Wiley at 574-267-7265 or by email at [email protected][[In-content Ad]]
Whether it is a change to a new school district or a change from elementary to middle school or middle school to high school, entering a new school can be challenging for parents and children. However, these challenges are not necessarily the same. Here is what the ACSI has to say:
Two important variables in adaptability are age and personality. Generally speaking, the older the student, the more difficult the transition. No matter the age, some personalities deal with change better than others. It is important to acknowledge your child’s fears and concerns. Take extra time to listen and validate their emotions. You should be sensitive to how your child deals with stress. If they don’t express themselves well, provide some outlet for them to express their emotions. Try to establish relationships with families within your child’s grade as early as possible. Reaffirm in your own mind the reasons you have chosen Lakeland Christian Academy and communicate these positive reasons to your children.
Understanding the varying concerns of students and parents at different age and grade levels.
In kindergarten to third grade, a student’s concerns are, “Does my teacher like me? Am I special?” The parent concerns are, “Will my child adjust to school?”
In fourth through sixth grade, a student’s concern is, “Will my peers like me?” A parent’s concern is, “Is my child academically fit?”
For seventh through eighth grade, a student’s concern is, “I want to fit in (and not stand out), I want to do what my peers are doing.” The parent’s concern is, “What is the character of my child?”
Finally, for high school, the student’s concerns are, “I want to be accepted and be part of everything, yet I am significantly different. I also want to do my own thing and be recognized for my uniqueness.” The parent’s concern is, “What are the values my child will live by?”
Please remember that you and your children are not alone when adjusting to LCA. Not only will you be surrounded by compassionate and caring teachers and staff, you will also be a part of a true LCA family. The most important thing to remember however is that you and your children will be prayed for everyday and that they are in a safe school that is lead by the Holy Spirit.
If you are not currently enrolled at LCA and would like to see what LCA is all about, you are invited to LCA’s open house from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday.
Our home is your home as we invite you to tour our 40-acre campus and meet with our teachers, staff and parents. You will also be able to talk with our students to find out what life is like at LCA. Administrators will be on hand to inform you of the enrollment process and financial aid programs including scholarships and the school voucher program. This open house is open to anyone in our community. We are even offering a coupon for free registration for new families that attend our open house.
We are now open for enrollment for the 2015-16 school year. If you have any questions, contact Scott Wiley at 574-267-7265 or by email at [email protected][[In-content Ad]]
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