April 26, 2005 >

Making the jump to junior high
By Arathi Satish

Parents of sixth-grade students are sometimes more anxious than their children about the transition from elementary to junior high school. It is a time of adjustment for both. During graduation, even though parents are happy, the realization that their children are growing and moving up the ladder of education can create concern. Although schools have open houses and orientation programs, many parents would like to have additional information about the next step in their child's life.

To address this concern, the city of Fremont's Youth and Family Services Agency is organizing a workshop, "Transitioning to Junior High," for parents of sixth-graders. Topics for the workshop include understanding of children's developmental stages, changes in school structure, adaptation of parenting strategies as a child matures and maintaining a positive relationship with the child.

The workshop is led by David Watt, Ph.D., a licensed clinical psychologist with extensive experience with junior high and high school students and their families.

The next workshop will be held May 9, 10 and 17 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Fremont Family Resource Center, 39155 Liberty Street in Fremont. Workshop fee is $20 per person and $35 per couple. Interested parents can register on-line at www.regerec.ci.fremont.ca.us/start/. For more information, call the workshop line at (510) 574-2122.