Patchogue-Medford Library. Photo Credit: Michael Sorrentino

Beginning middle school is a big moment: Kids hit their pre-teen years, get their first lockers and start changing classes. A big change after spending Kindergarten through Grade 5 in one classroom all day.

Patchogue-Medford Library wants to help parents and students with this transition, and is inviting families with children starting middle school this fall to a Tuesday night presentation all about starting this new chapter.

Tim Jahn, a senior program educator at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Suffolk County, will be presenting “Making the Most of Middle School” from 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. in Meeting Room A.

Jahn has been hosting workshops for parents and students since 1990, working with Cornell for over 35 years.

“Should I be worried,” is a common concern among parents, Jahn said when asked about the kinds of questions he usually receives when giving this presentation. Students, he finds, usually are more concerned with how the new academic lifestyle could help them make new friends.

“More than anything else, middle school brings a lot of changes so it’s important students have the ability to cope and support from their families,” Jahn said regarding what families can think about going into Tuesday’s presentation as well as the school year.

He also emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and staying organized under this new life structure.

“The biggest challenges are managing relationships, time and workload. Students will be making new friends, dealing with different teachers, handling peer pressure while they manage an increased worload,” Jahn said.

The presentation won’t be all about the difficulties though, as Jahn said he is also planning some fun activities for the evening as well.

For families that aren’t able to make it to Tuesday’s presentation, Jahn recommends checking sections of both Kidshealth.org and Scholastic.com, which have information about the move into middle school.

Tuesday’s event is free to attend, and families are encouraged to register by contacting Alyson Roselle either by calling 631-654-4700 ext. 261 or by clicking here for the online registration form.