The transition from elementary school to middle school can be quite overwhelming for a student, and quite frankly, for the entire family. There are so many factors that come with the transition, which include “teenager years,” new friends, schedule changes, and a completely new environment.
My daughter started middle school recently and being able to talk with my daughter about her experience in her first week of school made me feel good. At first, I was bit nervous to get the typical “Ok” short answers when I asked about how everything was going at school.
Her answers were full of details, which allowed me to understand her true feelings.
She told me that the first few days she felt nervous but excited each and every day. She said had many doubts about the changes, but at the same time she felt confident thanks to her teachers at Rocketship Discovery Prep. She felt they really prepared her for the transition and all that they had explained about middle school was accurate. Remembering their guidance also caused her to miss them so very much.
My daughter felt doubtful about having several teachers to report to and learn from, but her older sister also gave him peace of mind by explaining how each class would be based on one subject. She expressed gratitude for having people guide her through this process.
My daughter shared that at the end of her first week everything was going well, the principal of her new school made sure to wave her hand at the entrance of the school all week. She said getting to know the leaders of the school was important to her. She also said that she was happy with her teachers and her classes including being part of a new leadership class! The class is planned out and organized with tasks assigned to students. This was one of her favorite parts of the day!
As a mommy, I am grateful she felt supported and mentored by her elementary school teachers and sister, but most importantly knowing our communication bond is strong and that we are building on making it stronger gives me peace of mind. Middle school and high school are known to be challenging years for teens and parents, but I believe that if we stay united and in touch with our child daily and in tune with our schools and educators frequently this can make all the difference in the success our students have.
Eva Heredia
She began her leadership at Rocketship Discovery Prep over four years ago. She learned that there was so much more that she could do as a parent beyond volunteering in her children’s classroom. Eva became fully aware of the political involvement a parent must act on.
She has the experience and extensive knowledge about public officials, school board members, and school administrators who play an important role in public education in East Side San Jose. She supported the opening of Kipp Navigate at a State level, by advocating for quality schools alongside other parents in 2018. She then became a founding parent at Kipp Navigate. Besides being a champion for high-quality education and choice, she also helped build the Wooster Neighborhood Association in her community. She is the voice for her children, students, and her community. She is a huge supporter of parent engagement, choice, and access to higher education. In addition, Eva also attended an Adult High School and graduated from Independence High School in 2019.