MasterClass: Transitioning to Middle School
Get ready to ROCK middle school with this six-session MasterClass!
Select date and time
Location
Online
Refund Policy
Agenda
Session 1: The Big Shift – How Middle School Changes Everything
Session 2: Essentials for Middle School Success
Session 3: Strengthening the IEP or 504 Plan for Middle School
Session 4: Understanding Social-Emotional Changes and Supports
Sess 5: Building Student Independence and Self-Advocacy Led by
Session 6: Collaboration and Communication for the Middle School Years
About this event
- Event lasts 1 hour
Is your child heading to middle school with an IEP, 504 Plan, or suspected disability? Are you feeling anxious about how they’ll manage multiple teachers, more independence, and bigger expectations?
Join us for a powerful 6-week masterclass series designed to help you confidently guide your child through the transition to middle school.
🔑 What You’ll Learn:
✅ What changes in middle school, and how it impacts students with disabilities
✅ How to strengthen your child’s IEP or 504 Plan
✅ Strategies to build self-advocacy skills
✅ How the IEP can support your child’s emotional needs
✅ What to ask, prepare, and communicate with the new school team
Each week, you'll get practical tools, community support, and expert insights—plus time to ask your most pressing questions.
👩🏽🏫 Meet Your Instructor:
Shannon Sankstone – Shannon has sat at all sides of the IEP table - as a parent, foster parent, teacher, administrator, and now as a Special Education Advocate and founder of Advocacy Unlocked. She has 2 masters degrees in education, and over 15 years of experience. Shannon has helped hundreds of families navigate IEPs, 504 Plans, and school transitions with clarity and confidence.
🧰 What’s Included:
- Live Weekly Classes (recorded for replay)
- Actionable Checklists and Templates every week
- Q&A Time during every session
- Private Support Group for peer connection and guidance
- Weekly Office Hours for personalized support
📅 Class Schedule:
Classes begin at 7:00PM PST and run weekly. Replays available for all registered participants.
Tuesday Cohort Class Schedule:May 27, June 3, June 10, June 17, June 24, July 1
Wednesday Cohort Class Schedule:May 28, June 4, June 11, June 18, June 25, July 2
Thursday Cohort Class Schedule:May 29, June 5, June 12, June 18, June 26, July 3
👥 Who Should Attend:
- Parents of rising 4th, 5th and 6th graders with IEPs or 504 Plans
- Parents of students with suspected or undiagnosed needs
- Foster or kinship caregivers navigating special education
- Anyone who wants to make middle school a supportive, successful, and smooth experience for their child
Seats are limited. Register today and walk into middle school feeling prepared, empowered, and supported.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! This class is for all parents whose children may need support moving to middle school, whether they have formal plans in place or not. If your child struggles with organization, anxiety, executive functioning, or focus, this MasterClass will give you the tools to understand their needs an
Not at all. Every session is recorded and available for replay within 24 hours. You’ll also get weekly checklists, templates, and access to the private support group, so you can engage when it works for you. Many of our parents are busy. This program fits into real life.
This is an interactive six-week journey, not a one-time info dump. You’ll go deeper each week, apply what you learn with step-by-step tools, and have access to live Q&A, weekly office hours, and direct support. It’s designed to build your readiness over time, with people who get it.
Nope! While we cover executive functioning and emotional regulation (which often affect kids with ADHD or autism), this MasterClass supports all students with IEPs, 504s, learning disabilities, or emerging needs. If your child is facing a big leap to middle school, we’re here for you.
You’ll leave this series with: A customized plan for your child’s transition Updated IEP or 504 goals that reflect middle school demands Tools to strengthen your child’s independence Confidence in communicating with the school team A community of parents who truly understand
Organized by
Advocacy Unlocked LLC offers workshops, free webinars, coaching and advocacy services to empower parents to advocate for their child's education.