Author: Tammy Lane • First Posted: Friday, May 21, 2010

Crawford Principal Mike Jones, the parent of a fifth-grader himself, understands the apprehension of sending a child on to middle school. (Photo: FILE)

Moving up to middle school can bring feelings of apprehension for rising sixth-graders and their parents, so Fayette County middle schools host orientation nights to put people’s minds at ease.

The Glover family felt better after visiting Crawford Middle School for an informal, hour-long program.

“This is our second round, so we know what to expect,” said Antowan Glover, noting that they’ve been through this transition before with Wesley’s big sister. “We know the principal and the principal knows our family, so we’ll be all right.”

At middle schools all around town, principals and teachers were on hand two evenings last week to introduce themselves, along with representatives of the PTA and the YMCA, which offers after-school programs. The kids heard about elective classes like Chinese and extracurricular activities like orchestra, and they found their way to the cafeteria, library, restrooms and lockers.

The parent of a fifth-grader himself, Crawford Principal Mike Jones understands the stress of sending a youngster on to the next level of school. “It’s like kindergarten all over again,” he said.

For some, like Robin Travis, it’s easier if the child is the last in line to move on to middle school. Her daughter will follow two older brothers who attended Crawford. Still, Travis came to the orientation night to find out what’s new.

“A parent’s got to be involved to see what’s going on,” she said.

Jones, who is wrapping up his first year at Crawford, took the opportunity to share his philosophy on how students can be successful there. His simple suggestions?

• Come to school.
• Be respectful.
• Participate and learn. 

After his welcome, teachers showed families around the building, pointing out that the sixth-grade classrooms are clustered in one area.

“That’s a huge relief for them,” said science teacher Beth Corlyon, who knows how parents can fret about impressionable youngsters.

Meanwhile, Jones and Associate Principal Chad Carpenter led their incoming students on a schoolwide tour – after practicing how to properly line up and exit the gym.

Along the way, Jones planted the seeds of good rapport with the kids.

“I want them to have a comfort level so when they walk in here in August, they know who the principal is and they know they can come and ask me (anything).”