FBISD parents help elementary kids move on to middle school

A new program is helping children transition from elementary school to middle school.

Fort Bend Independent School District parents and students recently participated in the Transitioning On to Middle School program. TOMS, led by Parent Resource Center coordinators, was used at 19 elementary schools during the school year to help fifth- and sixth-grade parents prepare so they can ensure their children's academic and social success in middle school.

"The TOMS program is unique in that it is primarily home-based and reaches all parents, even those who are unable to attend school events because they either have to work, don't have transportation or have young children in their care," said Priti Avantsa, Title I social worker, in a press release.

Throughout the initiative, parents received interactive activity sheets from coordinators related to school expectations, rules and consequences. The fall component of TOMS supports and encourages parents to have open communication with their children. In the spring, parents focus on specific information, including course selections and curriculum. The program finished in May with a social gathering at each participating school, where parents addressed concerns, asked questions and received advice on what to do during the summer to further prepare their children.