Research from the U.S. Department of Education reveals that most middle schoolers are concerned with:

• Moving between classes. Navigating a large school to find several different classrooms is challenging. With your child, learn the resources available. Can students walk through the school before it opens? Is there a map to follow? What if new students are late to classes in the first days of school? Many schools do not mark new students tardy at this time.
• Managing lockers. Before, your child had a familiar desk. Now he'll have a hallway locker. Many schools offer practice sessions for opening and closing lockers. Also reassure your child that teachers are used to helping new students deal with lockers in the early weeks of school.
• Staying organized. Organization tools are a must in middle school. Your child will need a notebook to track assignments. A large binder with dividers for different subjects can be a lifesaver. So can a calendar where he can mark the dates for tests and projects due. Monitor your child's use of these tools.

Reprinted with permission from the September 2009 issue of Parents Still make the difference!® (Middle School Edition) newsletter. Copyright © 2009 The Parent Institute®, a division of NIS, Inc. Source: Donna Schumacher, "The Transition to Middle School," Education Resources Information Center (ERIC), www.ericdigests.org/1999-2/middle.htm.