Now that we’re a few weeks into school, the excitement of the new year may be starting to fade — but the transition is still happening! New routines, expectations, friendships, and learning can continue to require time to adjust to.

You may notice your child:

Feeling extra tired or needing more downtime
- I’ve heard from a lot of middle schoolers in these first few weeks that the earlier wakeups have been one of the hardest adjustments. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is so important.
Being more emotional or irritable
- It’s common for students to use a lot of energy throughout the school day to manage emotions, navigate social situations, and stay focused and regulated. By the time they get home, they may be feeling tired or emotionally “spent.” Home is often the place where students feel safest and most comfortable, so they may naturally let their guard down and show more of the emotions they’ve been holding in during the day. If you notice this at home, know that it can be a normal part of how children recharge and process their day.
Feeling overwhelmed by everything ahead
- Remind them that teachers and staff will pace their exposure to the learning, chunk the tasks as they go, and support them with what they need along the way
Experiencing some social ups and downs
- New groups of students means new social dynamics. Normalize that new friendships can take time to settle.
Saying, “I don’t want to go to school.”
- If your child expresses this, explore the statement with them - Are they experiencing academic difficulty, social stress, anxiety, fatigue, etc. The earlier we can intervene on some school avoidant behaviors, the more poised we are to promote consistent attendance that helps them maintain those routines and prevents anxiety around missed learning and re-engagement in the classroom.

These can all be normal signs that your child is still settling in. We’re working alongside your child each day to help them feel comfortable, confident, and ready to learn. We’re all still settling in — and that’s okay!

Qualters Middle School

Qualters Middle School

Quick Tips

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Study Habits

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Motivation

Setting Limits

Monthly School Counselor Newsletters 2026-2027

September - Routines, Relationships, and Resiliency