Hi students! Thanks for being willing to share your voice and your experience in our discussion panel. You will definitely help some soon-to-be sixth-graders feel better about what is coming. To help you feel ready, here are some questions you might hear. Please PICK FIVE of these fifteen that you have a strong feeling about and prepare an answer, either in writing or in conversation with a family member. The goal is to keep it short, honest, and optimistic. Tell a quick personal story if you like, but watch out for starting every response with “this one time in sixth grade…”

1. What’s the biggest difference between elementary school and middle school?

2. What should I do if I get lost or I’m late to class?

3. How do lockers work—and what if I can’t open mine?

4. Do I really need a backpack and a locker, or can I just carry my stuff?

5. What are teachers like in middle school, and what do they expect from students?

6. How much homework is normal, and how do I keep track of it with different teachers?

7. What if I’m not naturally organized—can I still do well?

8. How important are grades in sixth grade, and what matters most besides grades?

9. What do I do in group projects if someone doesn’t do their part?

10. How does lunch work— how do I know where to sit and who to sit with?

11. How do I make friends if people already have groups or friendships change?

12. Are older kids actually scary—and what do I do if someone is rude or intimidating?

13. What are the rules about bathroom breaks, and what if I really need to go?

14. What if I mess up at the beginning—can I still turn the year around?

15. What’s one thing you wish you knew before sixth grade, and one mistake I can avoid?