Tips for Middle School Parents




	Dear Middle School Parents/Guardians: We are writing this letter because we have seen an increase lately in the amount of missing/incomplete assignments, forgotten/misplaced work, papers without names, plus an increase in messages/emails from parents about these incidents. We understand this is all part of growing up, and it is our job, as parents and teachers, to help students learn to become more responsible. We need your help and support to do that. We believe it is important children to experience the natural consequences of what happens when they forget to be responsible (“natural consequences” are consequences directly related to the student’s actions; not a punishment.) Parenting experts say that natural consequences are one of the best teachers of all!) Here are some of the issues we are seeing: If a student was absent, or did not finish his/her work during class time, it is the student’s responsibility to remember to complete unfinished work and turn it in the next day, without being reminded, just the same as a homework assignment. If a student forgot to put his/her name on a paper or left behind needed papers in another class, that student will have to experience the natural consequences of forgetfulness, whatever that may be – for example, remembering to turn in the paper late or missing recess to take care of it. It is our job to prepare your child this year for middle school next year (5th Grade), and then high school beyond that. That means we must help students to develop self-discipline skills, so they may be successful now and in the future – skills such as being organized, preparing and planning ahead, and being responsible, and to accept the consequences if they fail to do so. What can you do? Ask your child regularly if he/she needs any additional folders or other supplies to stay organized. Go through your child’s backpack on a weekly basis WITH him or her, to evaluate what needs to be kept or pitched. Do not allow loose papers in the backpack . . . papers should go in folders. Ask to see the planner and homework daily so you can review it, even if your child says you don’t need to. Take the time to review your child’s work and other information in the Friday Folder. Sign and return papers that need your signature. Log in daily with your child to www.edline.net to find out what he/she should be doing at home. Ask questions if a situation or incident isn’t clear. We want to be a partner with you, not an adversary. We would appreciate it if you would set a good example by respecting teachers’ decisions and their job to follow school policy, even if you disagree. If you do disagree, please do not share that opinion with your child. Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Middle School Teachers