Excitement & Nerves as Students Get Ready for New School Year

Tim Studebaker

By: Tim Studebaker

Facebook: @TStudebakerABC6

Twitter: @TStudebakerABC6

Email: tstudebaker@abc6.com

ATTLEBORO, MASS. (WLNE) – The halls of Attleboro High School will soon be buzzing with activity as a new school year starts.  And about 1 in every 4 of the students filing through those doors will be doing so for the very first time.

Attleboro High School Principal Bill Runey says, “The transition from middle school to high school is certainly daunting, just based on the sheer size of our building with 1800 students.”

It’s exciting, but also stressful for students and parents.

Pam Santoro is the parent of an incoming freshman at Attleboro High School.  She says, “I trust Ayla to make good choices, but it always makes you nervous as a parent because I know there’s a lot out there.”

Students starting at a new school often have some questions.

Ayla Santoro is starting high school this year.  She says, “I’m nervous about finding my way around, and lunches.  What if I don’t have anyone to sit with?”

Some students may experience more nervous feelings.

Runey says, “We do have some students who, understandably, are very anxious about the transition.  I’m very proud of the fact that our school adjustment counselors, our guidance counselors, are available before school begins to schedule personalized tours.”

For the younger students, moving from elementary school to middle school comes with its own set of changes.

Brennan Middle School Principal Frederick Souza says, “The biggest difference between elementary and middle school is the fact that they’re going to be seeing more teachers on a daily basis.”

Principal Souza suggests that students get involved after school.

Souza says, “The research does support that the more a student is involved and feels connected to the school, the better they are academically.”

Both principals suggest that parents sign up for any web portals the school offers, so you know what’s going on.  And, ask questions, not just of your child, but also their teachers.  We reached out to Dr. Stacey Kite, an expert with Johnson and Wales University, for some ideas.  Dr. Kite suggests asking about the following issues:

  • Is there a digital literacy curriculum?
    • Digital literacy in the curriculum to teach students to become safe digital consumers. The curriculum often includes digital footprint, protecting privacy, safe practices, and cyberbullying.
  • What is the system for security for the building?
    • You want to understand the procedures for entering and exiting the school facilities, as well as, the protocol for lockdown in an emergency. 
  • Has the school identified “Bullying Zones”?
    • Bullying zones are areas were bullying has, or may, occur. They are often hidden areas with limited traffic. Schools may create a map with the zones highlighted to inform students of the areas, as well as offer additional monitoring in these areas.
  • Is there a procedure for anonymous reporting?
    • Schools may have boxes in restrooms or hallways, or digital system where students may report issues anonymously. Schools have had great success since most youth fear “tattling”. 
    • In addition to the anonymous reporting, parents should understand the school’s culture for bystanders in combating bullying.  Bystander involvement has been found to be the single most successful method to combat bullying, of all kinds. 
  • What are your policies as it relates to bullying outside of school?
    • Bullying is no longer exclusive to the school day, and some schools have stepped up efforts to police bullying beyond the classroom. With the advances in technology, children find it difficult to escape a bully’s reach.

As for Ayla Santoro, the nerves also come with a bright outlook.

“I’m most excited about playing soccer, because that’s just what I do.  And, I’m excited to meet new people and just have a good time, you know?”

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2019

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