About Starting Middle School The start of middle school is a time filled with promise and anticipation. A time of tremendous growth socially, emotionally, academically and physically. Student Questions! A student may be apprehension about starting at a new school: How can a parent help? Ask your student questions and really listen to the answers. Do you sense that your child is uncertain? Dig a bit deeper then. Other ways to help include: Help your child get organized. Have them use an academic planner and check it each night. Set up study routine, no ifs, ands, or buts! Everyone should take note of what Thomas Alva Edison once said: "There is no substitute for hard work". " Genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration"."The building is so big" New students can be overwhelmed by the thought they may get lost or be late to class. Teachers and staff are always available to point students in the right direction. Teachers escort students to their electives each day, all year long, to ensure that they make it to class. (Middle schoolers tend to become more social and may get engaged in conversation and forget that they have to get to a class.) The Schedule! Students have to learn how to move from class to class and take their "things" with them. Let's see, math class is next, I'll need my math homework. Teachers remind students, all the time. They do eventually learn-kinda. 
Learning to get along
New teachers and new friends
At the start of the year, teachers put aside time so students can get to know them, the teachers can know the individual student, and students can get to know each other. Is it going to be too hard for me? 
Middle school does expect a lot of students, but not more than they can do. Parents can help by looking at teacher websites to ensure they know what homework is due, and up coming assignments. Emails to teachers can answer any questions you may have. Parent Assist is a great help to keep informed on late assignments and how students are doing throughout the quarter. If you do not already have a Parent Assist account, contact Ms. Kirsti Williams (our Data Manager) at 703-4171. She will need to see a picture ID to issue an account.Encourage your child to start early, break larger tasks into smaller chucks, and always ask for help when they don't understand something. It may seem like a little thing, but getting your child to pack up the night before will help ensure they don't leave that completed homework at home. One last suggestion; ask your child who they are hanging out with and then get to know their friends' parents. With text messaging and the internet, it is getting more difficult to know who your child is talking to.
