Middle School Success Tips

1. Middle School Success Tips

2. Things Parents Can Do: • Be consistent, stay involved, and use rewards and motivators that are important to your child. • Make it clear that school is a priority and you expect homework to be completed. • Do your “homework” at the same time. • Reward effort. • Contact a teacher or teachers if you have any questions or concerns. • If you notice that your child is receiving low grades because of incomplete work, insist to see their completed assignment notebook and finished homework each school day until this is resolved…even if s/he says work was finished at school.

3. Things students can do: • Attend School and be on time for class every day. • Stay Organized. Keep your locker organized, write down assignments, complete all homework, AND turn this work in on time. • Listen carefully, follow directions, and come to class prepared. Participate in class…even being an active listener is participating! • Schedule time each evening to prepare for the next school day, so there isn’t a rush to gather materials and pack a backpack in the morning. • Get involved with school activities. Whether it’s a sport or academic club, become a part of the school community. • Connect with a “Study Partner”…someone who can be called upon in case there is a question about a daily assignment, or who can help prepare for a test or quiz.

4. Things Parents and Students can do Together: • Make a manageable schedule of activities, make homework a priority, and set up a spot in the house for study. • Check finished work together to make sure it is complete and ready to turn in. • Utilize the portal within Harmony in order to keep up with school progress. • Check teachers’ web-sites to keep up with daily work, long-term assignments, and other noted classroom activities. For some classes, there might even be a link for on-line support. • Seek help from teachers as soon as it is needed. Most teachers can offer help before or after school, or during a lunch period, if students approach them to pre-arrange these types of tutoring/support sessions.

5. What Students say helps: • Number one answer--Parent Involvement! • Helping with Homework/Studying…and, “big” projects. • “Push” to finish homework. • Talking about progress/grades • Helping to schedule activities in a way that gives time for homework. • Listening in Class • Doing Homework (before T.V, socializing, etc.) • Asking Teachers for help • Studying ahead of time before tests and not waiting until the last minute • Caring About Grades • Working with a Partner or in Groups • Being in a Sport or something like NJHS…this helps me stay motivated to keep my grades up so I stay eligible.

6. What Students say Gets in the Way: • Socializing…texting, school events, hanging out with friends • Playing video games or on the computer, or watching T.V. (for hours) • Too many after school activities…get home late and still have to do homework • Putting things off (like RC tests) • Waiting until the last minute to do a project • Not understanding the lesson…and, not asking for help • Drama (social) • Not studying often • Not paying attention or listening in class • Talking in class • Watching T.V. while trying to study • Not trying hard enough because I didn’t feel like doing the work • Staying up late and then I’m tired the next day • Being unorganized, because I lose papers • being absent, because I don’t learn • Being lazy about figuring out what homework I need to take home at the end of the day