Is it good to be in the middle? Sometimes it's not, like when you're in the middle seat on a long car ride. But sometimes it is, like when you're in the middle of a great movie. What will happen next?

Middle school is a little bit like that. It's called middle school because it's in the middle of your school years. Elementary school is behind you. High school and possibly college still await you.

For a kid, going to middle school often is a big change:

• First, it usually means moving to a new building, which takes some time to adjust to.

• Second, it may mean taking a different bus, with different students.

• Third, many middle schoolers find that their friendships may change during the middle school years as friends drift apart or form other friendships. Middle school students may no longer see old friends as they pursue different interests or passions, or go to another school.

 All of that can make you feel a bit scared on the first day of school.

Other things that probably will be different are the teachers and the work. Have you heard rumors that middle school teachers are really mean and the homework is really, really hard? Oh, dear. We've heard those, too, but they're not usually true. Yes, you'll like some teachers better than others, but middle schools are not special breeding grounds for mean teachers! 

Student Survival Tips for the Middle School Transition

• Get Organized.

 *Use your Agenda.

*Label folders and binders for each subject/class.

*Keep your locker and backpack organized and cleaned out.

• Do your homework.

*At times there may be more homework.  It will be important to schedule your time wisely.

*Plan for a certain amount of time every night for homework or studying.  

*Keep track of your homework assignments and use appropriate folders/notebooks to keep it organized when transitioning from school to home and then back to school.

*Due dates are important.

• Talk with your teachers.

*Ask Questions. If you are unsure of an assignment, what you need to be doing, or of anything, just ask.  Your teachers are there to help you.

• Talk to your parents and keep them informed of what is going on in your middle school life.

• Find an adult you trust to talk to when you have problems.
• Choose your friends wisely.

*Friends who make bad decisions/choices are not the best to have.

• Stay Healthy.

*Get a good night's sleep and eat a good breakfast before school.

• Come to school and have fun learning.

*You can’t learn if you are not at school.