Dear Nancy: What every middle school parent should know

Nancy Johnson/Columnist
Published: August 24, 2008

My daughter gave me the cutest plaque as a gift. It says, "A Teacher's Three Favorite Words…June, July and August."

It is true. I have had a great summer but I am really looking forward to getting back to school. I teach seventh grade life science at Rippon Middle School.

I'll devote my next few columns to helping parents and students prepare for the school year. Today, I would like to talk about middle school.

Middle school is a time of maturity and emotional development. Students are now faced with the pressure to dress right, be popular, say the right things and assert their freedoms. However, they still want to be silly and childish and aren't always ready for the pressures of middle school.

It is an especially hard time for a student who has a hard time fitting into a new social situation. We as parents need to look back at our experiences with middle school. I am sure there were times we felt left out and insecure. Please remember you are their ultimate role model and you can shape the path your child chooses to take. Your child needs your wisdom and support but also the freedom to begin making some decisions on their own. Establish communication with your child and remain close.

Get involved in your child's education. You could volunteer at school or simply talk with your child about what he or she has learned. This sends a message that school is very important. Talk about homework rules and daily routines before school starts. Then be consistent; they still need security and guidelines.

I remember when my children were young, they couldn't wait for the day to go up to the school to find out who their teachers were and if any of their friends were in their classes.

Then we would rush home so they could phone their friends. They would be so excited. It made me feel good they were excited about going back to school. Make sure your child knows where he or she is going that first day. Where is their homeroom? Who is the teacher? Do they know their bus number?

Middle school students need eight to 10 hours of sleep per night to be successful in school. It is very important they eat properly. Students who eat breakfast focus better in class, perform better on tests, are more well-behaved and are more likely to maintain a healthy weight. Ask your child to get a monthly lunch menu from school. Go over it and decide when your child may want to pack lunch or buy at the cafeteria.

Middle school is a very exciting and rewarding time in a child's life. Just remember to keep the lines of communication open and most importantly, don't give up!

In my next column I'll share the seven things teachers want to know about your child that help them do a better job.

In the meantime, I am here for you. If you have any questions or concerns about school please write me.

Nancy Johnson ran an in-home child-care business for more than 20 years, and she also teaches at Rippon Middle School. Send your questions to .