By Cheryl Mattox Berry
Dear Sixth Graders,
Welcome to middle school. It’s exciting being in this new place, but it can be confusing, chaotic and challenging. No. 1, it’s noisier. No. 2, everyone moves at a faster pace. You probably feel as if you’re in the midst of a herd of cattle being swept along.
Feeling overwhelmed in middle school is normal. After all, you were in the same environment for five years or longer and knew it like the back of your hand. After a few weeks, you’ll get used to the rhythm of your new school. Like anything new, there will be some surprises along the way.
Middle school presents a set of challenges that you didn’t encounter in elementary school. Girls can be meaner; boys unpredictable. Blame it on those raging hormones you hear mom talking about all the time. You can’t tame others, but you can control how you respond to things happening around you. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect this year:
Makeup– You’ll notice some girls wearing dark, heavy eye makeup, ala Kim Kardashian. Glamorous or ghoulish? I say the latter. If you want to start wearing makeup, go to a makeup counter and ask one of the stylists to show you what is appropriate for school at your age. First, get mom’s permission.
Clothes – Hopefully, uniforms are mandatory. They take the guesswork out of what to wear every day and keep costs down. If you can wear street clothes, avoid revealing tops, tiny skirts and tight pants. You’re going to school, not a club. Clothes should be comfortable and stylish, not a distraction.
Girls – Mean girls were hatched in middle school. You’re bound to get on someone’s bad side through no fault of your own. Ignore her, plain and simple. If you feel bullied, report her to a teacher or administrator.
Friends – You’ll meet new girls in class, through clubs and other activities. Be prepared, your old friends may not like the new ones, and that could cause some friction. Old friends may even drift away. No worries, that happens throughout life.
Behavior – Some girls want attention, and they get it by being loud and obnoxious. Cussing and running around like a wild animal is not cute. It will get attention but for all the wrong reasons. Whether you’re at school, movie theater or concert, act like a lady.
Boys – They’ll hang around, profess their undying love for you one week, and the next week they may be doing the same with another girl. Don’t get caught in a love triangle. It’s best to keep relationships light in middle school. No expectations, no disappointments.
Now that you know what to expect for the next three years, relax. Be yourself. Don’t try to act like someone else or do things out of character just because you’re in a new school. Do you. It worked in elementary school, and it will work for you in middle school.