Middle School Tips

Welcome to Middle School!

This is such an exciting time, so here are some tips to ease your worries!

Classes & Passing Periods

When you get your schedule, practice walking from class to class! Time yourself, you'll be surprised how quickly you can get from class to class when you're not distracted. Passing periods are 5 minutes; this is plenty of time to stop at your locker, get the supplies you need, and head to your next class. Find the bathrooms and drinking fountains in between your classes. If you are tight on time, it's always best to quickly get to your next class, then ask if you may go to the bathroom to avoid being late! Click to download a map of Oak!

Lockers

• Lockers are one of the most anticipated things about middle school! Click to look over a few tips for locker success!
• Plan out your daily route. Figure out when you really NEED to go to your locker.
• Your locker should be organized like a bookshelf (the spines of the books should be facing out and should be labeled with the book title so they are quickly found).
• Clean out your locker AT LEAST once a week.
• Don’t keep more than one item of clothing in your locker (example: jacket).

Minder Binder

• Keep your Minder Binder in your backpack (not in your locker)! Carry it to EVERY class and home each night.
• DON’T TEAR OUT PAGES! Folding the used pages back is acceptable, but the BEST THING to do is to use a book mark to locate the present week.
• Write everything down that you see written on the homework board.
• Don’t abbreviate words unless you are ABSOLUTELY sure you will remember what you were supposed to write.
• ALWAYS write down due dates!
• Neatly highlight (or put one line through) through completed homework. DON’T completely cross out the work you finished.

3-Ring Binder or Accordion Folder

• Use dividers to separate work from each class.
• Each divider should be labeled with the class name and have the work for the specific class behind the appropriate divider (keep the most recent or important papers towards the front).
• There should be a divider for “PAPER” at the back. You should have at least 20 extra sheets of lined paper at all times.
• If you don’t have a chance to file your papers in class behind the right divider, file your papers daily when you get home.
• Keep all graded work until your report card comes home! If you don’t want to keep it in your binder, have a spot in your bedroom for graded work—an accordion file works well for this!
• A supply pocket stocked with sharpened pencils is very helpful.

Backpack

• Clean your backpack out AT LEAST once a week (once a day is better).
• DON’T carry unnecessary items (example: put your lunch in your locker until lunch time)!
• Your backpack should not weigh more than 10% of your body weight.
• If your backpack is too heavy, consider carrying a book or two in your arms and use your locker!

Graded Work--Don't Toss It Just Yet!

I suggest using a paper box or accordion folder to save graded assignments when cleaning out your backpack and 3-ring binder. Keep this box at home (in your closet or under your bed are great places). Only empty this box at the end of each semester. This allows you to clean out your backpack and binder and stay organized without accidentally throwing away an important assignment.