starting middle school

[Lanshark]

Academically-Don't fall behind. If you don't understand something ask.

Socially- Stay true to yourself and your principles. Be yourself
DON'T get caught up in social media.

Emotionally-Communicate what you are feeling with someone you trust

 

[Kimberle]

My dd just graduated from MS. She had a wonderful experience. The "MS reputation" was over rated in her school. We've an excellent Principal and staff. The rules are strict and enforced.

Keep organized. Do your homework. Participate in class. Get involved in something, band, orchestra, sports, etc.

As a parent, don't be afraid to email teachers. The ones in our school love when parents are involved. Be warned, you are going to "blink" and you're off to HS!

 

[Nette]

Be nice to everyone. Do what you love, even if it's not the "popular" thing to do. And don't let anyone crush your spirit.

I teach 7th grade. My advice? Be friendly with everyone - don't pick a clique - bounce between them all and have lots of friends. Get involved in one activity and stick with it. Keep up with your grades and homework - it just makes life easier. Use a planner. And always always always ask for help if you need it. Doesn't matter what kind of help (academic, social, etc), just ask.

Best of luck! It's a nervewracking time!

This. To have a friend, you must be a friend.

 

[Jaxs27]

Here 5th grade is in Middle school. My son is very nervous, he will be a young 5th grader, turns 10 next week. I'm nervous that he isn't mature enough for Middle school. He has a great set of friends that I hope he keeps.

 

[JVL1018]

Just thank God that it's a son and not a daughter starting middle school! Girls are MEAN at that age.
My advice to your son is to get involved and "To thine ownself be true.".

We got lucky, my daughter is starting her last year of middle school and she has had a wonderful time.
I was so worried about her starting, going from 70 kids in her elementary 5th grade to 300 in the town middle school, but she came out the first day of 6th grade, beaming, saying I LOVE it!! And it's been smooth sailing socially and educationally, just an all around good experience.
I've never had issues with girls being vicious and mean, not myself, and not with her..not yet anyway. Fingers crossed!

Classes were tough, which was good, she finally had to work a little bit. She made the softball team both years, joined a service organization club, joined League of Representatives, made NJHS, is very busy with band which is huuuuuuuge in our town. Over 2/3 of the students are involved in band or choir, jocks, popular kids, nerds, everyone.

I agree with the advice given, keep your options open, be yourself.
She is not part of the most popular crowd, but she has good friends, her core group and then various others from other groups, no need to limit yourself.
She is extremely organized, and that came in handy in ms. Work hard, don't fall behind, stay on top of things with all the different teachers you have, that's important.

My kids also play town baseball and softball, football and cheering plus went to the town summer rec program and that was a big big plus, IMO, because they knew kids from the other elementary schools in town that fed into the MS.

She and her BFF from 1st grade are still BFFs even though they never had a class together during all 3 years of MS.
They've both made new friends, drifted away from some elementary school friends, but all naturally, no drama.

If there are crappy obnoxious kids, the grade is big enough to avoid them. But it's also not so big that they get lost in the shuffle.

All that said, my son starts 6th in September and I'm a wreck all over again. I'm hoping its as good experience for him as it has been for my daughter so far. Nervous!

 

[mom2rtk]

We got lucky, my daughter is starting her last year of middle school and she has had a wonderful time.
I was so worried about her starting, going from 70 kids in her elementary 5th grade to 300 in the town middle school,

Wow, my daughter went to a small elementary school here, but it was about 250 students. Her middle school has over 900 students. You are very fortunate to have such a small middle school. I'm just glad my daughter is outgoing and didn't get lose amid so many kids. Some kids could easily get swallowed up in our middle school. (1 of 3 that sit side by side on a big middle school campus here in town).

 

[Poohforyou]

Op, my dd13 finished middle school in June. I was worried a bit when she was about to start but she had a really good experience. I think we live in a phenomenal district. Anyway, my piece of advice would be for him to be true to himself. Don't try to be someone he isn't but be open to new experiences. I'm sure he'll do great.

 

[JVL1018]

Wow, my daughter went to a small elementary school here, but it was about 250 students. Her middle school has over 900 students. You are very fortunate to have such a small middle school. I'm just glad my daughter is outgoing and didn't get lose amid so many kids. Some kids could easily get swallowed up in our middle school. (1 of 3 that sit side by side on a big middle school campus here in town).

That's per grade, not per school. She has 300 kids in her grade, the middle school has just under 900 in the 3 grades.
Her elementary school in total had 375 kids(includes preschool, as well as spec. Ed and bi lingual for the district).

300 kids was huge to me, and scared me for her. I had 105ish in my graduating class, and we had been together since we merged I to middle school in 5th grade.
But it ended up being good for her.