*presented by EMMS School Counseling Department Mrs. Rideout & Ms. Kline

The Middle School Years Middle school can be a challenging transition for students. In Elementary school, students spend the majority of their day and receive their core instruction from a single teacher. However, in middle school, students travel to their classes and receive instruction from 6 adults during the day. It can seem overwhelming. A lot of parents feel that their children should be able to handle their school work and experiences on their own, but that is not the case.

The Middle School Years Your children need you more than ever to be able to make a successful transition. During these years, students are looking to become more attached to their peers and less attached to their parents. It may be a challenging time for you. At one point, you were the most important person in their lives, but that begins to change during these years. Your children are learning about relationships, decision making, reasoning, and responsibility.

How Can You Make a Difference? Take an interest in your children’s daily school experience. Ask what they learned in their classes? Ask to see their notebooks, folders, and agenda book? Check the Home Access Site at least once per week! Check the Homework Website daily! or call the teachers regularly to monitor their progress. Help them create a quiet place to study at home. Make sure they review their lessons daily. Limit their screen time. Make sure they have a set bedtime and eat breakfast.

How Can You Make a Difference? Ask the teachers about their policy for late/missing assignments. Ask the teachers if they provide extra help. Make sure they attend school on time daily. Talk with your child about your expectations for their education and daily school experience. Help them set goals and develop a plan to achieve those goals. Encourage them to ask for help when they need it. Spend time with your children. Learn to say “NO.”

Major Skills Needed for Success Organization Time management Study skills Note taking Test taking Decision making Problem solving

Common Myths I don’t have the time/energy to be involved. I don’t want to bother the teacher. My opinion doesn’t matter. My child doesn’t need my help. I feel uncomfortable meeting with teachers/counselors. I don’t want my child to be angry with me for checking up on them.

Technology: Friend or Foe? Do your children have social media accounts? Do your children have cell phones (smart phones)? Do your children have accounts? How often do you randomly check all of the above?

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