Implement four basic steps for a successful year in middle school

Put your middle schooler on the path to school success! To help him start--and finish--strong this year:

Maintain routines. You relied on them when your middle schooler was a toddler, so don't abandon them now that he's nearly a teen. Routines give structure to his day and help him stay organized. So develop some commonsense school-year rituals and stick with them. Make sure you establish a morning, after-school and evening routine for your child.
Get involved at school. It's not always easy to stay connected to the middle-school classroom, but do it anyway. Getting involved shows your middle schooler that his education matters. You don't need to be "Volunteer of the Year" or attend every PTA/PTO meeting. Just make an effort to participate when you can.
Stay informed. It's easy to miss the fliers or handouts stuffed in your middle schooler's backpack. So ask him every day whether he's brought anything home that you should see. The same goes for his schoolwork. Just skimming his notes can fill you in on what's happening in class.
Support your child. Your middle schooler may act like he's "too cool" to need your love and guidance, but he's not. Never miss a chance to give him a hug or tell him you love him.