Jump Start Project

JUMP START

• Is a two week summer program

• 3 hours each day.

• Uses multiple strategies to help students, parents and surprisingly non-participating teachers FEEL comfortable.

Mommy, not the Middle School!

Transitions are notoriously TOUGH times.

The transition into middle school is what JUMP START focuses on. We, Bill & Mary Ellen & Tony, SMOOTH out the transition.

How We Do It

Strategies

1st We identify anxiety triggers.

2nd We weave activities together which help kids fit in.

1st Identifying Anxiety Triggers

1. Open lockers

2. Choosing bookbags/binders that will fit into the lockers

Anxiety Triggers

3. Finding rooms in the school

4. Following middle school schedules

Anxiety Triggers

5. Organizing notebooks for middle school

6. Worrying if all my friends are on a different team

2nd Woven Activities

• We have woven activities together which fit the two criteria of helping the kids

1. feel comfortable and

2. socialize with new kids and teachers

Woven Activities: Helping Student Feel Comfortable

Positive activities that center on self-expression

– Art

– Computers

– Media Center

Woven Activities: Socializing with Kids and Teachers

Practical activities focus on practical skills.

- Lockers

- Schedules

- Breaks / Field Trips

- Maps

- Meeting Building VIP’s

Sleeper Benefits

- Empowers Leadership- Incoming 6th Graders Become Helpers- 7th 8th Graders Want to Lead as Counselors

- Eases Administration/Guidance Stress- Fewer Parent Concerns- Better Awareness of Incoming Class

- Eases Homeroom and Classroom Stress- Schedules are Easier to Follow- Students are More Organized

RECAP: Student Reflections

Hear it from Charlie!

Hear it from Patty!