- Introduction to the challenges of transitioning to a new school environment: discussing the various emotional, social, and academic challenges that students may face.

- Strategies for supporting students in their transition: exploring ways to help students connect with peers, adjust to a new school culture, and manage their academic workload.

- Effective communication with teachers and school staff: discussing the importance of open communication and developing strategies for staying in touch with teachers, school counselors, and other staff members.

The facilitator will introduce the topic of "Keeping Up: Supporting Students in a New School Environment." Participants will be given an overview of the module objectives and expected outcomes.

Participants will engage in a group discussion about their experiences with transitioning to new schools, both as students themselves and as parents of students. The facilitator will guide the discussion by asking open-ended questions and encouraging participants to share their experiences.

Participants will work in small groups to develop strategies for supporting students in their transition to a new school. The facilitator will provide a list of common challenges and encourage groups to brainstorm practical solutions.

Objective: To help parents and students work together to set achievable goals for the academic year.

Instructions:

1. Ask the parent and student to sit down together and discuss what they want to achieve during the upcoming school year. Encourage them to brainstorm a list of goals that are specific, measurable, and achievable.
2. Once they have a list of goals, have them prioritize them in order of importance. Which goals are most important to the student? Which goals are most important to the parent?
3. Next, have them break down each goal into smaller, achievable steps. For example, if the goal is to get an A in math, what steps can the student take to achieve that goal? Perhaps they need to attend after-school tutoring, study for 30 minutes every day, and complete all homework assignments on time.
4. Finally, have the parent and student create a timeline for achieving each goal. When do they want to accomplish each step? How will they track progress?
5. Encourage them to revisit these goals and their progress regularly throughout the year, and make adjustments as needed.

Discussion questions:

- How did setting goals together help the parent and student feel more connected and motivated?

- What challenges might they face in achieving their goals, and how can they overcome them?

- How can they support each other in reaching their goals?

Note: This activity can be modified to fit the specific needs and goals of each parent and student.

The facilitator will conclude the module with reflective questions that encourage participants to think about their own experiences and develop a plan for implementing the strategies discussed in the module.

The "Keeping Up" module is designed to provide parents with effective strategies to help their children adjust to a new school and keep up with their academic progress. By focusing on communication, building positive relationships, and developing time management skills, parents can play an active role in their child's success and well-being. With the information and activities presented in this module, parents can support their children in staying motivated, confident, and engaged in their academic and social lives.