Library to host Middle School Survival classes

Few experiences seem as ominous to a 12-year-old as the entrance into middle school or junior high. The Las Vegas-Clark County Library District is hoping to take the fear out of what to expect in the upcoming Middle School Survival programs.

Librarians and other adults will be on hand to discuss everything from backpack pain to locker opening in the programs, beginning at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd. (507-3947) and continuing at various libraries through Aug. 28.

Sue Gracia's daughter, Amanda, who attends Johnson Middle School, went to the sessions last year. The anticipation of meeting a whole new group of friends and learning how to attend multiple classes in new areas was enough to make Amanda more than a little nervous. The sessions at least showed her what to expect once she arrived.

"They talked about a lot of things, like being organized," Sue Gracia said. "They had a lock you could open at the end of the program so (kids) wouldn't be afraid of lockers. They took questions and gave them advice."

Some of the most common questions were about showering with other kids for physical education classes. Gracia said some of the advice given by the instructors benefitted her as a parent as well.

"They talked a lot about being responsible for your own work, and keeping your work when you get it back," said Gracia, who noticed several discrepancies when some grades were not entered in the grade book although assignments had been completed. "It really helped her, too. Sometimes student aids grade papers, and they can make mistakes."

Her younger daughter, Laura, is quickly approaching middle school age as well. Gracia said she anticipates taking Laura to one of the sessions, even though she'll have the benefit of her sister's experience.

"I think it did help (Amanda's) mind rest until she actually got there," she said. "(Laura) gets to have the benefit of (Amanda) going through it first."

Middle School Survival programs will continue at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 7 at Summerlin Library, 1771 Inner Circle Drive (507-3865); 6:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at Green Valley Library, 2797 N. Green Valley Parkway (507-3791); 2 p.m. Aug. 21 at Sahara West Library, 9600 W. Sahara Ave. (507-3644), Sunrise Library, 5400 Harris Ave. (507-3905) and Clark County Library, 1401 E. Flamingo Road, (507-3436); 3 p.m. Aug. 21 at Enterprise Library, 25 E. Shelbourne Ave. (507-3764); 6:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at the Las Vegas Library, 833 Las Vegas Blvd. North (507-3549); and at 4 p.m. Aug. 28 at the West Las Vegas Library, 951 W. Lake Mead Blvd. (507-3983).

All programs are free and open to the public. Those interested can visit www.lvccld.org.


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