Old Saybrook Middle School recently welcomed families of current fourth-grade students for 4th Grade Parent Night, an informational event designed to help parents and guardians prepare for their child’s transition from elementary school to middle school.
The evening introduced families to the Old Saybrook Middle School model, including the academic structure, social-emotional supports, extracurricular opportunities, communication pathways, and the many ways families and staff can work together to support students during this important transition. The presentation also gave families a chance to learn more about the daily experience of a fifth-grade student at OSMS and ask questions about what to expect next year.
During the presentation, Principal Dr. Krista Bauchman, Associate Principal Kevin Andersen, and members of the OSMS counseling and support staff emphasized that the middle school years are designed to help students gradually build independence, confidence, and ownership of their learning. A key goal of the transition is to help students develop the academic, organizational, and social-emotional skills they will need for success in middle school, high school, and beyond.
Families learned about the Grade 5 structure, which includes core instruction in math, English/Language arts (ELA), science, and social studies, along with specials, enrichment, world language experiences, lunch, and daily recess. Students will begin building important middle school routines, such as preparing for class, using lockers, completing homework, and keeping their Chromebooks charged. Staff will support students through these new responsibilities while positively reinforcing independence over time.
The presentation also highlighted academic supports in ELA and math. In ELA, students engage with units of study aligned with state standards, common novels, small-group book clubs, independent reading, writing, and targeted skill development. In math, students learn through a standards-based curriculum supported by resources such as Illustrative Math, IXL, and Desmos. Small group instruction and intervention are available as needed, using student data to help identify areas for support and growth.
In addition to academics, OSMS staff shared the importance of social-emotional learning and student support. Advisory lessons, mindfulness activities, counseling services, lunch groups, individual outreach, and partnerships with organizations such as Old Saybrook Youth and Family Services all help students feel connected and supported. Families were also introduced to the CONSULT model, a team-based process used to review student needs and design targeted supports so that no child “falls through the cracks.”
The evening also covered school expectations, including the RESPECT initiative and restorative practices. OSMS aims to build a safe, inclusive learning environment where students understand expectations, develop positive relationships, take ownership of mistakes, and learn how their actions affect others. Families were reminded that cell phones and smart watches must be off and stored in lockers during the school day, and that students are expected to be kind, respectful, and physically safe with one another.
Communication was another major focus of the event. Families were encouraged to stay connected through PowerSchool updates, weekly emails from the principal, school newsletters, event reminders, parent information nights, and direct communication with teachers and staff. Email remains the best way to contact teachers, while families may also call administration, the nurse, or the front office when needed.
Incoming fifth grade students will also have access to a variety of extracurricular opportunities, including track, cross country, field hockey, intramural sports, Art Club, Environmental Club, Kindness Club, Student Council, Mountain Biking, Unified Sports, and Homework Club. Additional clubs and activities become available as students move into the older grade levels.
Families are encouraged to review the full 4th Grade Parent Night presentation for additional information about schedules, academics, student supports, school expectations, communication, extracurricular activities, and frequently asked questions.