Moving from middle school to high school can be a big adjustment for ninth-graders and parents -- especially if this is your first high-schooler.

Things will gradually calm down as the freshmen get used to the routine of more homework and carrying perhaps a heavier book bag than what they're used to.

New friendships will blossom, and students may meet on weekends to complete group assignments.

Upperclassmen might send your ninth-grader to the fourth floor to find the nonexistent swimming pool. But overall, your budding teenager will have a great experience if a few rules are followed:

Ninth-graders need to know their counselor and take responsibility for making an appointment to introduce themselves while briefly chatting about goals and objectives.

Both the parent and the student should read the Curriculum Bulletin for 2009-10. The booklet is usually distributed during the first nine-week grading period.

It is the student's responsibility to bring home the bulletin and show it to parents.

The Curriculum Bulletin explains the three basic graduation options available in the Miami-Dade Public School System.

The four-year, 24-credit standard diploma for this year's ninth-graders includes four English credits, four math credits, three in science, three in social science, one for physical education/personal fitness, one credit in the performing/fine arts and eight electives.

Parents and students need to understand that the grade-point average with the 24-credit standard diploma is an accumulated minimum of 2.0 for June 2013 graduation.

In addition, community service is required. Each high school sets its minimum, usually between 75 and 100 hours.

The Florida Bright Futures Scholarship Program currently requires a minimum of 75 volunteer hours as one of the eligibility components for the Florida Academic Scholars Award (www.FloridaStudent FinancialAid.org/SSFAD/bf/).

Parents, it is your responsibility to encourage your ninth-graders to do their best.

Set aside several minutes each evening and talk. Discuss the day's events -- yours and theirs.

Glance over the homework. E-mail the teachers to establish a working relationship.

Remember that the FCAT is part of the graduation requirements. Insist your child attend tutoring sessions at the school to strengthen basic skills if needed.

Another important issue: Manners. Encourage civility by being the best role model possible. If you sense your youngster is having a problem with peers, teachers or others, talk. Find out the issues and address them courteously.

Stay involved with your student's activities. Participate in PTSA.

Encourage your ninth grader to pay attention in class and ask questions. Insist that assignments be handed in on time. Keep the communication flowing, support the teachers -- and have a good year.

Robin Sarantos, Ph.D., retired from the Miami-Dade Public Schools, was a counselor at Coral Reef High. E-mail her your questions or suggestions for future columns to rsarantos@aol.com.

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