Our Top 16 Tips for Success in Middle School
Middle school can be tough. Some of the challenges middle school presents include transitioning to a new school building, learning a new set of rules and expectations, navigating new peer friendships, and learning the different personalities of each of your teachers. While getting into the middle school groove takes some practice, there are some easy changes you can make to your routine to smooth the transition. Read on for ESK’s tips for middle school success!
Put PE clothes in a drawstring bag… makes for easier transportation!
At a specific time each night, put your devices “to bed.” Create a dedicated charging station in the kitchen, plug your computers, iPads, and cell phones in so they’ll be charged in the morning, and turn them off! Good Night!
Leave an ESK tie in your school locker for those “forgotten” Eucharist mornings!
Place the materials you need for homework in your bottom locker throughout the day so that you don’t forget to take the right books home to complete your homework.
When you study for a quiz or test, start 3-4 nights in advance. Set a timer (10-20 minutes) for how long you’d like to study, and focus intently for that set time. When the timer is up, move on! Finish other homework and study again the next night.
Walk on the right side of the hall, and walk with your head up! Project confidence, keep your eye out for others, and arrive to class on time.
When the door outside of Googe Hall or the dining hall is locked, don’t tug on it – it doesn’t magically unlock through your Hulk-like strength. Press the button and wait for someone to open it for you.
Use your planner! Write down your homework! Check your planner when you get home while you’re doing your homework to make sure you’re on track.
Bring a snack for 10:15 am break time. Who isn’t feeling the mid-morning munchies by then?
A magnet on the outside of your locker helps you to remember which one is yours on those mornings you’re extra sleepy.
Ask before you start using your cell phone. Most of the time you’re using it to call mom or dad, which is fine, but teachers can’t tell who is on the other side of the line if you don’t check with them first.
Try a new elective to see if you have an undiscovered passion for Yearbook, Harry Potter, Photography, or maybe even movie-making!
Sign up for at least one extracurricular! You can make new friends and learn new skills playing a sport, participating in Lego Robotics, reading with the book clubs, or serving in Interact.
Craft your emails carefully. A late-evening email is much better received by a tired teacher when “Dear,” “Sincerely,” and “Thank you” all are written in the text of your letter.
If you arrive to school early, use the time wisely! If you didn’t understand yesterday’s lesson or need homework help, check in with your teacher between 7:40 and 8:00 am. Teachers are here early and happy to provide a quick tutoring session before the 8 o’clock bell rings if you need it.
HAVE FUN! We want you to have a great school year!