Moving from elementary to middle school is a significant milestone for students and parents. At Groton-Dunstable Regional Middle School (GDRMS), the fifth-grade teaching team works tirelessly to ensure this transition is smooth and successful, equipping students with the skills and confidence they need to thrive in their new environment.
Navigating Academic Expectations
Transitioning from a single-teacher classroom to a multi-teacher system is one of the most significant changes students face. "Students encounter new grading systems, multiple teachers with varied routines, and a need for increased independence," shared Mrs. Peggy Fournier, a fifth-grade teacher and district veteran for seven years. To help ease the transition, the first six weeks of school focus on building routines, teaching organization skills, and using tools like large zippered binders and agendas.
Although students work within Google Classroom starting in the second grade, the learning management platform is re-introduced as a more central platform for managing assignments. At the same time, the SchoolBrains Community Portal helps students track their official grades. This dual system encourages responsibility and keeps students and families informed about progress.
Navigating New Social Dynamics
Leaving the familiarity of Florence Roche and Swallow Union Elementary Schools can feel daunting, especially when students join peers from other schools. "The first weeks of school are filled with activities to help students get to know one another, feel welcome, and build a sense of community," said fifth-grade teacher Mrs. Nicole Stone, who has been with GDRSD for 26 years. Team-building games, kindness chains, and fun Advisory sessions set the tone for a positive social environment.
Advisory also provides dedicated time to develop essential social-emotional and executive functioning skills. Students participate in activities such as creating personal "coats of arms" to share their interests and setting SMART goals to foster personal growth.
Developing Independence and Organizational Skills
Middle school life introduces lockers, changing classrooms, and more complex schedules. To support students, teachers encourage using binder systems and folders to keep materials organized. “Students might arrive at class realizing that they left their assignment paper in their locker, but having a binder system that is carried between classes eliminates this issue,” Mrs. Stone noted.
Parents play a vital role in fostering independence by helping students establish routines at home. Simple habits like organizing binders, preparing materials the night before, and finding a consistent homework space can make a big difference.
Practical Tips for Parents
To help families prepare for the move to the middle school, here are some actionable steps:
Print extra copies of your child’s schedule from the SchoolBrains Community Portal and put them in their binder, backpack, and locker.
Encourage consistent homework habits, allocating an hour each evening in a distraction-free space.
Periodically review binder organization together, helping your child manage papers and supplies effectively.
Remind your child that change takes time, and facing challenges during this adjustment period is okay.
A Holistic Teaching Approach
The fifth-grade team adopts Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles to meet the diverse needs of all students. They ensure every student feels supported and valued by offering multiple ways to access content, demonstrate learning, and engage with material.
"The most rewarding part of this transition is watching students realize they are fully capable of navigating this new stage of life," shared Mrs. Fournier. "Their pride in their independence is incredible to witness." Mrs. Stone noted, “By the end of the first week, students take pride in confidently navigating their new school. Their love of the independence they find with the middle school schedules is awesome to see. They know they are growing up and are very proud of themselves - as they should be!”
By partnering with families and fostering a nurturing environment, GDRMS ensures every child feels prepared and empowered to succeed in middle school and beyond.
