While the seniors may have been getting all the attention at graduation ceremonies at Safeco Field and Key Arena, here in Issaquah there were smaller, but equally important, graduation ceremonies going on.

On Wednesday afternoon, eighth-graders at Issaquah Middle School took a big step in their lives, waving farewell to the younger grades ahead of the transition to high school.

It can be a scary, exciting, intimidating, and inspiring moment for any 13 or 14 year old.

The class of 307 Issaquah Middle School eighth-graders will all go to Issaquah High School next year, joined by 131 students from Pine Lake Middle School. The other 192 Pine Lake students will go to Skyline High School, to be joined by all 342 Beaver Lake Middle School graduating eighth-graders.

According to Pacific Cascade Freshman Campus counselor Lori Kasemeier, there are a plenty of things eighth-graders can do to help in the transition to high school.

One of the simplest, but also the most important is to smile, say “hi!” and be willing to meet new friends.

Some other tips:

For your studies

· Use your student planner and write in activities, assignments and due dates for every class period every day.

· Set aside a two hour study time. Let your friends know that you won’t be texting, emailing, or calling them during that time period.

· Prioritize your home work and schedule the work into 30 minute work periods with 10 minutes stretch and snack breaks in between work periods.

· Put completed work into your binder and put your binder in your backpack by the door that you will be using in the morning.

· When needed, access the resources for help at your school. Meet with your teachers, go to study club or 7th period tutoring sessions.

· Have a positive attitude about learning and work hard to achieve your goals!

Social tips

· Encourage your friendship group to include others.

· Get involved in clubs and sports at your school.

· Respect the differences in others.

· Treat others kindly.

This year each high school will have its own “Link Crew,” run by juniors and seniors to welcome freshmen and help them get to know their new campus and all the new people.

Good luck new freshman! A brave new world awaits!