As our program heads into its final weeks, teachers are preparing our students and their families for the transitions they will face in the upcoming school year. Moving onto middle school, choosing a high school, and beginning to prepare for college can be stressful, and Futures Night is one way teachers are helping families and students arrive prepared on the first day.
Last week, many Aim High campuses hosted Futures Night. Site directors and teachers invited families into their classrooms to view student work and discuss life beyond Aim High.
“Tonight we are building on the future that your children have started with us,” said co-Site Director Bianca Wood as she welcomed families at our Excelsior District campus. “But, we want to give you something more tangible than meeting teachers and seeing your students’ accomplishments. We want to give you the tools to help you and your students navigate upcoming transitions.”
Throughout the night families attended workshops that aligned with their student’s grade level and language, with Aim High teachers translating for Spanish- and Cantonese-speaking parents. Rising sixth graders and their families attended the workshop “Elements of a Successful Middle School Transition,” during which they discussed the differences between middle and elementary school, and how families can best support their students through their journey. Students also learned about other changes that come with middle school, like lockers and multiple class periods, and the dreaded loss of recess.
Site Director Gaela Peters discusses high school with families of rising ninth graders.
Rising ninth graders and their families, attended the workshop “Transitioning to High School and Pathways to College,” where they were introduced to A-G requirements, post-secondary school options, and ways the whole family can prepare. Families also attended a panel including recent graduates and a high school guidance counselor; the panelists gave advice, shared tips and tricks, and answered many questions about the high school selection process.
Excelsior campus co-Site Director Gaela Peters emphasized the importance of getting good grades and staying on top of academics early on in high school. “You want your student to say ‘I have every option and opportunity available to me,’” she shared.
Aim High teachers and Bay Area educators facilitated the workshops, and representatives from Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO) and A Better Chance were present and available to answer questions about their academic programs for high school students.
Parent, Maria Gunter, was thankful for this experience and said, “It’s important to have my student feel prepared [for high school] and know what to expect. For him to hear it from someone else other than his parent is really helpful.”
Interested in seeing who we work with? To see some of the many partners who help us serve our students and their families beyond the summer, visit our website.
