Transition Navigator Guide Transition Navigator
Tier 3 Intervention: High School Transition & Anxiety
40 MIN SESSION
Objectives
• Identify 3 myths about high school.
• Locate key logistical info via "Scout" activity.
• Verbalize one specific transition goal.
Materials
• Transition Blueprints Slides
• Myth Busters Sorting Cards
• School Scout Worksheet
• Laptops (for Scavenger Hunt)
Group Size
Optimized for 2 Tier 3 students needing individualized support.
Session Map
05:00
Foundation: The Worry Meter
Check-in using a 1-10 scale for transition anxiety. Ask: "What's the one thing that feels like a 'mystery' about high school?"
Tier 3 Tip: Allow for "pass" or non-verbal scaling if students are resistant. Use the "Mystery" framing to normalize curiosity over fear.
10:00
Myth vs. Reality Sorting Game
Hand out the "Myth Busters" cards. Students work together to sort cards into two piles on the table.
Discussion Prompts:
Where did you hear that myth? (Social media, older siblings, TV?)
Which reality makes you feel most relieved?
15:00
The School Scout Scavenger Hunt
Using their laptops, students must "scavenge" the high school website for the 8 items on their worksheet. This makes the unknown "knowable."
Facilitator Note: Guide them to the "Academics" or "Student Life" tabs if they get stuck. Competition is encouraged—first one to find all 8 wins a small incentive!
10:00
Blueprint Reflection
Review the scavenger hunt answers. End with one "Next Step"—something they will do between now and summer (e.g., walk the halls, check the bus route).
Facilitator Strategy
If students shut down:
Shift the focus from "their feelings" to "the data." The Scavenger Hunt is a low-stakes way to engage without requiring emotional vulnerability immediately.
Anxiety Spike:
If a student expresses high distress during the Scavenger Hunt (e.g., seeing hard classes), pivot to the "Freshman Resources" section of the high school site to show support systems.
Transition Blueprints Slides Project Transition
HIGH SCHOOL
BLUEPRINTS
From Middle School to the Next Big Step
The Mystery Factor
Transition anxiety often comes from the things we don't know yet.
"On a scale of 1-10, how 'mystery-filled' (anxious) does high school feel right now?"
Phase 01
Myth Busters Sorting
We're going to separate the rumors from the reality. Let's see what you've heard vs. what's actually true about high school life.
Myth
Reality
PHASE 02
School Scout
Scavenger Hunt
Use your devices to find 8 key "Intel" points about your next school. The more you know, the less you'll worry.
High School Website
Scout Worksheet
Your Next Move
High school is a journey, not a cliff. What is one thing you can do to feel more prepared before school starts?
Visit the Campus
Email a Coach
Pick Your Clubs
Myth Busters Sorting Cards Myth Busters Activity
Cut these cards out and sort them into "Myth" vs "Reality" piles.
You'll definitely get shoved into a locker or your head dunked in the toilet by seniors.
Most seniors are focused on their own classes and graduation. They generally don't pay much attention to freshmen.
If you don't play a varsity sport, you won't have any friends and will be "invisible."
There are dozens of clubs for everything from e-sports and robotics to anime and chess. You’ll find your crew.
High school work is so hard that you’ll have zero free time and fail all your classes.
The work is a step up, but teachers have "office hours" and tutors are available. It’s manageable if you ask for help.
Set 2: Expansion Cards
You have to know your exact career path and college before you start 9th grade.
Freshman year is for exploring! You have four years to try different classes and see what you actually like.
The building is so big you'll definitely get lost and be late to class for the rest of the year.
Everyone gets lost at first—even teachers! You'll learn your route in a week, and there are maps everywhere.
High school teachers are way meaner than middle school teachers and won't help you at all.
High school teachers are usually experts in their subjects. They want you to succeed and will help you if you ask.
Myth Pile
Reality Pile
School Scout Worksheet School Scout Intel
Digital Scavenger Hunt • High School Intel Report
NAME:
DATE:
Mission Briefing:
Use your device to navigate your future High School's website. Locate the following 8 items of "Intel" to complete your blueprint.
01
Who is the Principal?
02
What is the school Mascot?
03
What time does the first bell ring?
04
Find one Sports team offered in the Fall.
05
Where is the Counseling Office located?
06
Name one Club that sounds interesting.
07
Find the name of an "Elective" class.
08
Find the School colors.
Intel Reflection: What is one thing you found that surprised you or made you feel better?
Myth Busters Answer Key Myth Busters: Teacher Intel
Expanded Answer Key & Discussion Guide
Sorting Key
MYTHS
"You'll definitely get shoved into a locker..."
"If you don't play a varsity sport, you'll be invisible..."
"High school work is so hard you'll have zero free time..."
"You have to know your exact career path before 9th grade."
"The building is so big you'll definitely get lost for the rest of the year."
"Teachers are way meaner and won't help you at all."
REALITIES
"Most seniors are focused on their own classes..."
"There are dozens of clubs for everything..."
"The work is a step up, but teachers have office hours..."
"Freshman year is for exploring! You have four years..."
"Everyone gets lost at first—even teachers! You'll learn in a week."
"High school teachers want you to succeed and will help if you ask."
Expansion Discussion Nuggets
4
The Pressure of the Future: Many boys feel they need to have a "plan" right now. Remind them that 9th grade is about building habits, not picking a career.
5
Logistical Fear: Getting lost is the #1 fear for many. Normalize it. Suggest taking a photo of their schedule and the school map on their phone.
6
Teacher Relationships: Explain that in high school, teachers treat students more like "junior adults." This means more respect, but also more responsibility to ask for help when needed.
