Facts & Helpful Suggestions to Ensure Success
How does a parent ensure a middle school student's success?
1. Check agendas DAILY, as if they were in kindergarden. (I would add to check webpage for those of us who do it�if you haven�t tried it, it�s fabulous to be able to show parents they should know EXACTLY what their child is doing in each class) 2. Keep up with the information about food choices in the cafeteria�monitor them� Another cafeteria suggestion was to make sure they have money on their account since lunch is the highlight of their day. 3. Students must be on time for class. If they have a problem (locker, bathroom, etc.), they need to check in with the teacher FIRST. 4. Students need to be organized before their first week of school is over (agendas, A-B binders, folders, etc.) 5. The homeroom teacher needs an e-mail from each parent every couple of months so they can communicate problems before they get out of hand. This is the best method to set up communication. 6. Don�t send all pencils/paper to school at the same time. They need to send a few at a time and replenish as needed (if they have extras, they will end up giving them away). 7. Students need to be responsible�for work, knowing when it is due, turning it in, for their actions, etc. We have higher expectations in middle school. However, that doesn�t mean that they should be able to do this on their own without parental monitoring. 8. Students need to be able to plan ahead for their four minutes between classes, getting stuff for 2 classes to make time to go to the restroom between another class. 9. Students need to know their multiplication facts 1-12. 10. Middle school students still need a bedtime and plenty of rest. Researchers tell us that teenagers are the most sleep-deprived people on the planet. 11. Everyone will have some homework every night. Period. 12. Home computers should be in public areas of the home and should be monitored by parents. 13. Teachers do communicate with parents. If a parent receives no grade checks, notes, etc, then the parent should periodically go through child�s backpack, purse, etc.You might be surprised what you find. Be sure to read all notes that you come across in your random search. Sheriff Terry Ashe once led an inservice and this was his advice to teachers who were also parents. Don�t stress over rights of privacy because the student is your minor child and your responsibility. (I would also add that parents may need to initiate the communication) 14. Fact- All children lie. They lie to avoid punishment for their actions or because they are afraid of consequences. Children are imperfect creatures and are building their character. Parents who believe everything a child tells them are asking to be disappointed. 15. If you have any doubt about your child's academic progress-please make contact with the teacher or the school counselor. All Wilson county employees have access to email, but not all employees have access to a phone. Please view our school's website for additional information.http://www.wcschools.comBack to Top