Pathways to Middle School Success

A Fifth Grade Transition Booklet Introducing Career Pathways

Congratulations!

You’re starting middle school! Middle school is a special place. In middle school you will have the chance to meet new people, develop new skills and interests, and think about your goals for the future.

Starting middle school is a big step. You’ll also be given more responsibilities by choosing classes and activities that interest you. These opportunities will help you be more independent and develop skills life-long learners need to make decisions now and in the future.

Good luck as you begin this exciting new journey to middle school in the Midland Public Schools!

You may be feeling many things as you prepare for middle school. You may be feeling excited about new opportunities ahead of you. It is also natural to feel

nervous or even scared about the upcoming changes

and new experiences. Remember that, just like your earlier years in elementary school, there are many caring adults who will be there to support you. Talk to your parents, teachers, counselors and/or

administrators. They want to help!

1

On your mark! Get Set! Go… To Middle School!

Watch your t houghts: They become your words. Watch your words: They become your actions. Watch your actions: They become your habits. Watch your habits: They become your character. Watch your character: It becomes your destiny. -Pirke Avot

Firefighters: American firefighters can date their history back to 1648, when four men were appointed as fire wardens in what is now New York. Thirty years later, the first engine company in colonial America was put into service in Boston, . Today both men and women serve in paid and volunteer fire departments. These firefighters respond to an estimated 12 million calls each year – the most famous in recent history being on September 11, 2001. www.firehouse.com

“The greatest high you can get in life is “You grow up the day you have your first by helping somebody.” real laugh at yourself.” - Timothy Stackpole, - Ethel Barrymore (1879-1959), Deceased firefighter U.S. Actress

2 Attitude

“The longer I live, the more I realize the impact of attitude on life. Attitude, to me, is more important than facts. It is more important than the past, than education, than money, than circumstances, than failures, than successes, than what other people think or say or do. It is more important than appearance, giftedness or skill. It will make or break a company…a church…a home. The remarkable thing is we have a choice every day regarding the attitude we will embrace for that day. We cannot change our past…we cannot change the fact that people will act in a certain way. We cannot change the inevitable. The only thing we can do is play on the one string we have, and that is our attitude. I am convinced that life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it. And so it is with you… we are in charge of our attitudes.” - by Charles Swindoll

“Many people care about you and want the best for you. They know that developing good character will bring greater success and greater joy to you and everyone else. Here are some of their words of The Four R’s of Transition

advice: Think before you act. Respect yourself. to Middle School

Work hard. Have integrity. Ask for help when you

need it. Do your best. Use common sense. Listen. 1. Respect

Lead by example. Be safe. Accept responsibility. 2. Relationships

Set goals. Challenge yourself. Tell the truth. 3. Reputation 4. Responsibility Believe in yourself. Respect others. Don’t give up.

Learn from your mistakes. Choose kindness. Learn!” - Printed with permission of Progress Publications

3 Respect

Respect is appreciating dignity along with valuing the contributions, rights, and potential of every person. Value the goodness in people you meet and the beauty in the world around you. A respectful person believes that other people’s ideas, thoughts, and feelings are important. If you treat others with respect, they will, in turn, respect you. Show respect for other people by accepting their differences, treating them with kindness and courtesy, and remembering their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Damaging or taking property that is not yours is disrespectful. Harassing and teasing others are also inappropriate behaviors. Base judgments of others on their actions and character rather than their color, race, heritage, religion, gender, etc.

Exhibit self-respect by being proud of your accomplishments, taking care of your body, staying safe, striving for excellence, and developing your confidence. - Printed with permission from Progress Publications, Omaha, NE 68137

Treat others the way you want to be treated.

People who are respectful… Admire Honor • treat others the way they

would want to be treated.

• are polite and courteous. Kind • treat everyone well, even

Respect though they may look, act, or believe differently.

• solve disagreements by Courte sy peaceful means. Appreciate - Resource: Character Counts!

4 Relationships

Relationships are different “connections” we have with people in our lives.

“Surround yourself only with people who are going to lift you higher.” – Oprah Winfrey (1954-)

Oprah Winfrey overcame a childhood of poverty and abuse to become one of the most famous women in America. She developed her talents for public speaking and acting, helping her become the host of her own talk show, as well as a respected actress. Her show has received many awards, including several Emmys. Oprah’s empathy and honesty have made her a beloved public figure. She’s also the first woman in history to own and produce her own television talk show. www.achievement.org

Are you a phony? A quiz** 1. Do you put on an act to make people think you’re cool? Yes No 2. Do you tell people what you think they want to hear even if you don’t mean it? Yes No 3. Will you do almost anything just to be liked? Yes No 4. Do you make up lies to impress people? Yes No 5. Are you being honest on this quiz? Yes No **Taken from Cliques, Phonies, and other Baloney, by Trevor Romain, Free Spirit Publishing

“Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but just look what they can do when they stick together.” - Verna M. Kelly, in Hillary Rodham Clinton’s It Takes a Village Be honorable yourself if you wish to associate with honorable people. - Welsh proverb

5 Reputation

Reputation is your character as seen and/or judged by other people, or what other people think of you.

The measure of a person’s character is what he would do if he were never found out. - Thomas Macaulay

The willingness to accept responsibility for one’s own life is the source from which self-respect springs. - Joan Didion

What is right is right, even if no one is doing it. What is wrong is wrong, even if everyone is doing it. - Unknown

All paths lead to the same goal: to convey to others what we are. - Pablo Neruda 20th-century Nobel prize-winning Chilean novelist

6 Doing what you are supposed to do Responsibility when and how you are supposed to do it

Responsibility is making good decisions about what you do and say, while taking care of yourself and fulfilling your obligations. A responsible person is dependable and well organized. Responsibility also involved understanding cause and effect and accepting that you are accountable for your actions and your decisions. Be responsible by caring for yourself. This can mean setting goals, finding good role models and supportive friends, and developing healthy habits such as eating healthy foods, brushing your teeth, and getting enough sleep and exercise.

You also have responsibilities to other people. These may include chores and homework, being on time to school or lessons, following rules, and reporting your whereabouts and activities to a parent or teacher so he or she doesn’t worry. Remember that every freedom, right, or privilege comes with responsibility to use it wisely. - Printed with permission from Progress Publications .

“I think it’s important to remember how much we do, not so that we can stop, but so that we can be encouraged to do more.” - Dr. Maya Angelou

Dr. Maya Angelou, a best-selling author and poet who has also worked in theater, film, and television, has paved the way for black women in these respective fields. During the Presidential inauguration ceremony in 1993, Angelou, also a civil-rights activist, made history by becoming only the second poet to recite an original piece she wrote specifically for this occasion. Angelou is fluent in a number of languages, including Spanish, French, and Italian, and has become a popular lecturer throughout the world. www.mayaangelou.com

“Higher expectations lead to greater accomplishments.” - John Hockenberry John Hockenberry became a “Dateline NBC” correspondent in 1996, after 15 years as a broadcast journalist. Prior to starting his career, he was in an automobile accident which left him in a wheelchair. In spite of his disability, he reported on stories in many foreign countries. He also studied the New York subway system and worked to bring about positive changes for those disabled individuals using this system. Hockenberry, the author of a book about his disability and career, has received many awards for his reporting. www..com

7 Self-Management Checklist

Rate your self-management skills. After reading each of the statements below, put a check next to the answer that best describes you. Be truthful – no one but you will see your answers.

1. When it comes to getting to class on time I am never late I am sometimes late I am often late 2. I keep the books and personal belongings in my locker “Never leave that till tomorrow which you organized somewhat organized a total mess 3. I remember to bring books, pens, pencils, notebooks, etc. to each class can do today.” all the time some of the time hardly ever - Benjamin Franklin 4. I write each of my assignments in a notebook all of the time some of the time none of the time “I think the one lesson I have learned is 5. When I don’t understand an assignment ask a classmate ask the teacher try to figure it out myself that there is no substitute for paying 6. When I have a report due in two weeks, I plan my time around completing it attention.” find myself scrambling for time ask the teacher for an extension - Diane Sawyer 7. I record assignments, tests, and due dates in a study calendar all of the time some of the time not at all I’m doing the best with whatever abilities 8. I use study hall to do homework all the time some of the time not at all I have been given… what more can one 9. When I don’t get along with a teacher, I ask? don’t try as hard to do the work work hard and do my best - Charles Schultz 10. In regard to activities, I find I have more than I can handle just the right number not enough

- Resource: Sunburst Communications

8 Who Am I?

Job satisfaction depends on exploring jobs related to your interests, values and abilities. Talk about your career ideas with your parents.

In order to enjoy your future job to the fullest, you should look f or

careers related to your interests!

I Am Unique and My Career Will Fit Me

We are each very different. We live in different places, learn in different ways, and enjoy different things. Before we can begin to look at our future careers, we need to understand about ourselves and our communities.

• What do I like to do? Include group activities and hobbies or interests. • What school subjects do I like? • How do I help at home and school? • What businesses and organizations are in my community?

Understanding our interests and possibilities within our communities helps us to see “PATHWAYS” to explore.

9 How will I know which path to take? Believe it or not, you have already begun your journey. School is important in order to learn the skills you need for any job.

Elementary School (You are here.)

Middle School

High School

High School Graduate High School Dropout

?

Job (receptionist, grocery More Education clerk, child care employee, bank teller)

Job (doctor, firefighter, teacher, nurse, police officer, pro athlete)

10 Now What?

Self-knowledge is related to career awareness. Getting to know oneself – one’s talents, abilities, skills, and interests – leads to self-expression in work, study, and recreation. This career awareness program provides the opportunity for the reflection and self-exploration needed to construct the foundation for making a considered career choice.

Let’s find out more about you!

11 We are all alike. My Interests = My Pathway We are all different.

Area No. 1

I would like to do these things: Take care of people or animals that are hurt or sick Know all about different machines Help people take care of their teeth Be a doctor’s helper Help people feel better Make sure people can see well

This is me! I am a good listener I really care about people and/or animals I like to take my time when I do things Learning about the body and how it works is interesting

I would enjoy: Taking care of people or their pets Teaching people about foods that are good for them Visiting a nursing home and trying to make people feel better

My favorite subjects are: Language Arts Math Science Total Check Marks in Area No. 1:

12 We are all alike. My Interests = My Pathway We are all different.

Area No. 2

I would like to do these things: Sing and dance Write sales brochures Take pictures or videos of people Create pictures on my computer or on paper Put on plays for my friends Learn a foreign language or sign language

This is me! I am very creative I enjoy entertaining my family and friends I like art I like music

I would enjoy: Being in a talent show Picking colors or wallpaper for my room Taking pictures with a camera

My favorite subjects are: Social Studies Writing Art Band Total Check Marks in Area No. 2:

13 We are all alike. My Interests = My Pathway We are all different.

Area No. 3

I would like to do these things: Use different computer programs Think up ways to sell things to make money Help manage a city’s operations Keep my things neat and tidy Work on projects with other people Choose items to buy

This is me! I like to be the leader I like to work with numbers and money I love to talk with people I enjoy selling items for school fund-raisers

I would enjoy: Using the telephone to find information Planning parties for school, church or my friends Helping friends with a money-making project Using the internet for projects

My favorite subjects are: Math Language Arts Computer Science Total Check Marks in Area No. 3:

14 We are all alike. My Interests = My Pathway We are all different.

Area No. 4

I would like to do these things: Work on cars Use machines and tools Take things apart and/or put them together Design products Build a house Use math to plan a woodworking project

This is me! I like to use hand tools I like to solve mystery stories I like to put together puzzles I like to see how things work

I would enjoy: Fixing my bike Putting model airplane, boats and cars together Building things Playing with Legos™ and K’Nex™

My favorite subjects are: Math Science Computers Total Check Marks in Area No. 4:

15 We are all alike. My Interests = My Pathway We are all different.

Area No. 5

I would like to do these things: Work with very young or very old people Teach somebody how to do something Help people Go to the library Help in the kitchen Understand why people act in a certain way

This is me! I am friendly to all people I am a good listener I am good at suggesting solutions to problems I enjoy planning out what to do

I would enjoy: Working in a restaurant Working on group projects Doing community service or volunteer work

My favorite subjects are: History Language Arts Social Studies Math Total Check Marks in Area No. 5:

16 We are all alike. My Interests = My Pathway We are all different.

Area No. 6

I would like to do these things: Grow things Work in a laboratory Raise fish or animals Understand the natural environment Study about things that live in the ocean Read maps

This is me! I like being outside I like to know about the weather I am good at making plants grow I an interested in nature

I would enjoy: Understanding how animals live Hiking and camping Figuring out why plants aren’t growing

My favorite subjects are: Math Geography History Science Total Check Marks in Area No. 6:

17 My Interests = My Pathway

Write your check mark totals in the spaces below. The areas with the highest totals are your top Pathways!

Pathway Area #1 – Health Sciences Pathway Area #2 – Arts & Communications Pathway Area #3 – Business, Management, Marketing & Technology Pathway Area #4 – Engineering/Manufacturing & Industrial Technology Pathway Area #5 – Human Services Pathway Area #6 – Natural Resources & Agriscience

Write the names of your top three CAREER PATHWAYS on the lines below: (see Career Pathways next page)

#1 Pathway:

#2 Pathway:

#3 Pathway:

18 What are Career Pathways?

Michigan has six Career Pathways which include a variety of jobs related to each pathway. If you identify your top pathways’ interest areas, you can explore jobs that have similar characteristics. Remember that your interests and job ideas may change as you get older.

Michigan’s Six Career Pathways

1. Business Management, Marketing & Technology Pathway: People who work in these careers like math, computers, talking to people, being the leader, and helping others plan special events.

2. Engineering/Manufacturing & Industrial Technology Pathway: People in these careers use tools and machinery to do their work. They know a lot about math and science.

3. Natural Resources & Agriscience Pathway: People in these careers enjoy being outside, growing things, taking care of plants and animals, and making sure our water and soil is not polluted.

4. Arts & Communications Pathway: People who work in these careers enjoy reading, music, art, writing and speaking.

5. Health Sciences Pathway: People who work in these careers care about the physical and emotional well being of people and animals.

6. Human Services Pathway: People who work in these careers enjoy helping people.

19

Career Pathways and Related Jobs

Arts & Communications: People who work in these careers enjoy things like reading, music, art, writing and speaking.

Sample Jobs:

Public Relation Specialist*** Digital Artist** Web Designer*/* Cartographer (map maker)*** Disc Jockey* Singer*/* Photographer*/* TV Announcer** Author*/* Dancer* Floral Designer*/* Interpreter***

Business, Management, Marketing & Technology: People who work in these careers like math, computers, talking to people, being the leader, and helping others plan special events.

Sample Jobs:

Financial Planner*** Software Tester* Internet Researcher*/* Air Traffic Controller*** Bank Teller* Bookkeeper** Computer Programmer*/* Travel Agent** Caterer*/* Cashier* Principal*** Mail Clerk*

*High School plus training **Community college or technical training ***Four or more years of college */*Any level of education or training

20

Career Pathways and Related Jobs

Health Sciences: People who work in these careers care about the physical and emotional well being of people and animals.

Sample Jobs:

Physician Assistant*** Animal Caretaker* Licensed Practical Nurse** Pharmacist*** Dentist*** Emergency Medical Technician** Home Health Aide* Phlebotomist* Veterinarian*** EKG Technician*

Human Services: People who work in these careers enjoy helping people.

Sample Jobs:

Counselor*** Fire Fighter* Paralegal** Waiter* Teacher*** Chef/Cook* Journalist** Cosmetologist** Clergy*** Sports Professional*** City Planner*** Meat Cutter*

*High School plus training **Community college or technical training ***Four or more years of college */*Any level of education or training

21

Career Pathways and Related Jobs

Natural Resources & Agriscience: People in these careers enjoy being outside, growing things, taking care of plants and animals, and making sure our water and soil is not polluted. They work in forests, national parks, around lakes and rivers, and on farms.

Sample Jobs:

Garden Designer** Farm Equipment Mechanic* Geologist (rocks and minerals)*** Meteorologist*** Turf Manager (golf courses, sports fields)* Chemical Technician** Fish & Game Warden*** Landscape & Nursery Worker***

Engineering/Manufacturing & Industrial Technology: People in these careers use tools and machinery to do their work. They know a lot about math and science.

Sample Jobs:

Computer Engineer*** Auto Mechanic* Printer** Tool & Die Maker* Aircraft Pilot** Carpenter* Computer Technician** Chemist*** Millwright* Civil Engineer*** Drywall Installer* Maintenance Worker*

*High School plus training **Community college or technical training ***Four or more years of college */*Any level of education or training

22

“If it is to be, it’s up to me.”

Many of the qualities we have discussed in the previous sections of this booklet are necessary traits, not only in middle school, but also as you approach high school and beyond. It is important that as an incoming 6 th grader you think about showing respect, being responsible, caring about your reputation and having meaningful relationships. The time it takes to deliberately develop these skills will serve you well, not only as a Midland Public Schools’ student, but also as a contributing member of society.

What do I do next?

You are not ready to make career decisions, but you can start to make connections between school and work. You are already developing skills for the workplace in everything you do. It is time to think seriously about your personal interests, hobbies, sports and leisure activities, and how they relate to the Career Pathways. It is also important to know how to work cooperatively with others, and yet independently when necessary. Look at this as a point in your educational career when you can look back at where you’ve been, set goals, and get the most out of your educational opportunities.

We will miss you!

With the help of your parents, teachers and other caring adults, you have been preparing for this moment since before you began kindergarten. You are entering a time in your life when you will be given more choices and responsibilities. You have many options available to you. What an exciting time! Take care and do your best!

23