Transition Guide to High School
Most adults remember their first day at high school and today's students still look forward to that day with a mixture of excitement and nervousness. Below are some tips to make the transition easier for both students and parents.
Transitioning From Grade 8 to High School
If you have an existing Individual Education Plan in a Halton District School Board school:
Your IEP will automatically be transferred to us when you register with us.
We will meet with your grade 8 school and they will share information they have about how you learn best.
We will meet with you in September to discuss how your classes are going and whether your IEP is meeting your learning needs.
You and your parents are welcome to make an appointment to come in and visit this year, and ask any questions you may have.
If you have an existing IEP, but NOT with HDSB:
Your IEP will NOT automatically transfer over and we do not necessarily know that you had one until you let us know. You can share this information during registration or by contacting us directly at siudag@hdsb.ca. This will allow us to communicate your learning needs to your teachers so that you are supported from day 1.
If an IEP in HDSB is appropriate, we will keep you informed about the process.
You and your parents are welcome to make an appointment to come in and visit this year, and ask any questions you may have.
Tips for success in grade 9
Obtain colour-coded binders (1 for each subject) as well as basic supplies such as dividers, lined paper, calculator, pencil case etc.
At home, set up a private, organized place, free of distractions in which to do homework
Set up a master timetable in the workplace which lists sports, activities and family commitments, in addition to school commitments
Use a timer to set aside a minimum time each night. Set a time such as 20 minutes, then take a break for 5 minutes, then get back to work. Try to be consistent as to when homework is done. Most students become less effective as the evening progresses, so earlier is better.
Understand your IEP and use accommodations as needed. The biggest challenge in the transition to high school is learning to ask for needed support outlined in your Individual Education Plan (such as teacher conferencing, extra time for tests, access to a computer, spelling considerations, etc.) Being a good self-advocate will help you throughout your future endeavours.
Always take notes. Teachers expect more independent work habits in high school and note-taking, even brief jot notes when a handout is provided, help maintain focus and aid memory.
If you have recently been assessed and diagnosed, and the issue is impacting your learning:
You will want to share this information with us before the start of the school year to ensure that your needs will be communicated to your teachers on day 1.
We will meet with you early in the school year to discuss how your classes are going and whether you need support.
You and your parents are welcome to make an appointment to come in and visit this year, and ask any questions you may have.
Tips for success in grade 9
Do homework EVERY NIGHT. This means that students should never say, "I don't have any homework" because every night they should review the day's work, highlighting their notes and re-writing important details. This simple strategy helps students remember basic facts and prepares them for upcoming work and assessments. Pictures and diagrams can be added to aid comprehension.
Find a study partner in each class. This is a valuable strategy as research has shown that studying with others greatly improves success. It also gives you someone to contact if you are absent so you are prepared when you return.
Ask the teacher when you need clarification or help. Teachers want you to be successful, so always ask the teacher for help when you are feeling unsure, overwhelmed with deadlines, etc. Teachers can arrange to meet you before or after school, or sometimes at lunch hour.
If you need help or advice, see your SERT as they can work with you, your parents and your teacher(s) to arrange specific accommodations and offer help with test-taking, organization and stress management, etc.