ICS Counselors Offer Community Support during Transition Times

by Daniel Inman, ICS Counselor

This article is a summary of the advice, resources, and support shared at a recent schoolwide parent session on the topic of Transitions Support. It is meant to help families and students at the end of the school year when many people are preparing to move between schools and communities.

As students and families prepare for the next transition, it is important to remember and acknowledge that each of us reacts differently to the transition. Transition in simple terms is any time where change occurs in life. Whether you are staying at ICS, new to ICS, or moving on from ICS, it is all a transition we go through in our lives. It is normal and expected to have feelings of sadness and loss, while also feeling happy and excited for the next step. It’s important to know that each journey is unique though there are similarities that can be planned for. 

Some tips for your family and you: 

• The adults involved should have a common approach. 
• Be positive yet realistic towards the transitions.
• Anticipate regression (bumps in the road).
• Maintain daily routines.
• Your children’s concerns may be different from yours.
• Maintain current friendships and try to make new ones.
• Listen, be patient, empathize.
• People adjust at different rates/speeds.

For those who are leaving, build your RAFT. For more details, check out this article on building your raft. RAFT stands for: 

• Reconciliation: Resolve and/or rebuild any relationships that need the work;  
• Affirmation: Affirm and acknowledge those people who supported and valued you;  
• Farewells: Saying Farewell or Until Next Time to people, places, and things that are important; and
• Think Destination: Thinking forward to where you are going, and what things/places there are to look forward to. 

For those who are staying, consider your DOCK. Check out this article on Building Your Dock. DOCK stands for: 

• Decide to stay by leaning into the friendships you have and build new ones; 
• Offer to help others by providing services or food for them (and other ideas);
• Cherish the moments by planning last meals, last playdates, and the like; and
• Keep connecting with plans on how to stay in touch with those who may be moving. 

As a newbie arriving at ICS (or anywhere new), consider how you LAND. This article on LANDing well may be helpful. LAND stands for: 

• Look for the good in your new location, there will be ups and downs, try to focus on the positives;
• Acknowledge the loss of friendships, familiar routines, and build new ones; 
• Network with other families in the community who may be able to support your family; and
• Decide to engage in your new community, make new contacts and put down roots as every transition is hard. 

These are just some options to help you with your family’s transition. If you have any questions, please reach out to your sectional counselor.