Set yourself up for middle school success!

Middle school can be a time of excitement, dread, or somewhere in between.  As I enter my twelfth year of teaching, there are many simple things I've learned that can help you (or your student) be successful as they enter middle school.  Some of this may be routine for  many of you, but it is beneficial to go through these with your student entering middle school.  In no particular order:

1.  Be prepared before the year starts:  Check supply lists and get the things listed on it.  Teachers check it every year and make adjustments if needed.  If the list says 10 folders, you'll need 10!

2.  Get into a morning routine:  Middle school starts a little earlier than elementary school, so practice getting up earlier.  Have your backpack packed the night before, shower every morning or night, etc...

3.  Stay connected:  Just because your student is in middle school, you still need to keep up with them (perhaps even more so than before) while giving them more responsibility and freedom.  Go to the Franklin Home Page and check the calendar.  Check the 6A School Notes page.  Follow me on Twitter for class updates @MrGremmingerFMS and the school @FranklinSDJ .  Franklin also has an official Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/franklin.middle.sdj  You should also check on your student's grades, attendance, and lunch account in Skyward Family Access.  There, you can double check your email address as teachers will often send messages using those addresses.

4. Eat breakfast:  Whether it's at home or at school (free breakfast for all!), it's vitally important to have a balanced breakfast before school--that means more than a doughnut and hot chocolate (or Monster energy drink, soda, or latte as I often see)!

5.  Ask questions that can't be answered in one word:  Instead of asking "How was school?" ask your student what they did today.  Instead of asking "Do you have homework?" ask what they have to do for tomorrow.  You'll get more than yes or no answers.  Hopefully.

6.  You can live without a phone in sixth grade, believe it or not:  Yes, a lot of sixth graders have cell phones, but they're not required for school.  Phones are supposed to be off during the day and in lockers.  Put the phones away during dinner time too and put in a little face time as a family.

7.  Dress appropriately:  Especially during the warm months, students tend to dress inappropriately.  The school policy is to have no exposed undergarments or midriffs.  During the winter, it's a good idea to wear a coat (earth shattering information, but you'd be amazed at how many students don't wear coats) and have a sweatshirt in the locker.  Students go outside after lunch unless it's quite cold or there's a very low wind chill.

8.  Be a parent, not a friend:  As students get older, it's sometimes easier to be a friend to your student and make them think you're the cool mom or dad, but students need direction now more than ever.  Middle school can be a trying time, or it can be a positive experience.  Students look to parents and teachers for guidance and examples of how to behave in this ever changing world.  Be a parent first.