Cracking the Middle School Code

I was recently asked to speak to a group of fifth graders at Ooltewah Elementary School, as they marked the end of their elementary years. Now it’s off to the next step. I believe middle school is the time in which kids either head in the right direction, or the wrong one.

Rather than make them endure a speech by a guy who last wandered the halls in the prehistoric era, I enlisted some help. I asked some bright 8^th graders from East Hamilton, Red Bank and Ooltewah to share “the code” with me. What do they wish someone had told them when they moved up to middle school? As you’ll see from this Top 10 list, they had some great advice. You’re invited to share this with your favorite student.

# 10: Middle school is not what Nickelodeon makes it out to be. Everything won’t be handed to you. Don’t slack off, and don’t forget your work. It’s not cool. It’s not funny. It makes you look immature. Practice opening your locker, and being organized. Not being organized can be a big problem, and lockers are not fun when you cannot open them.

# 9: Don’t let people tell you that you are not important, and don’t let people bring you down because of your looks, your weight, or your clothes, because none of that matters. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. Love yourself and do your best.

# 8: You don’t rule the world! Be nice. Don’t hate on people. Play a sport, or join a club. This will help you meet people, and get familiar with the school.

# 7: Middle school is a blast! But: your work will get harder, so don’t be lazy. Don’t play games all the time. And don’t wait until the last minute to finish your work.

# 6: When you come to middle school, it may seem intimidating. But remember, everyone else feels the same way.   Don’t be scared. You’ll meet new friends. It really is fun! You’ll have more freedom than you did in 5^th grade.

# 5: Speak to your teachers at least once every day, and show them you respect them. If they know who you are, and they know that you care, they are more likely to give you help when you really need it.

# 4: You will have homework every day, sometimes in every class. Don’t put it off, do it as soon as you get home. Just make it a habit. It’s part of growing up. You don’t want to get behind, because there will be more tomorrow! You’ll have to work even harder to catch up.

# 3: Read as much as you can, even without being told. I would rather be ahead of everyone else, instead of always catching up. All you need to do, to succeed in 6^th grade, is hang with the right group of friends, be prepared, get enough sleep, do your homework, and try your hardest.

# 2: If you like to socialize, do it between classes. You’ll get in trouble if you do it during class.   Teachers won’t put up with it. If you don’t understand something, don’t be afraid to ask questions!

# 1: Some of your friends’ behavior will change, for the worse. Just because they get in trouble doesn’t mean you have to. Stay out of their drama. You will find new friends that you fit in with. They will be the ones you can trust, when you really need a friend.

Out of all the responses I received, this one was really special. It was written by Brienne Aune, who just finished 8^th grade at Red Bank Middle School. I am sharing her complete letter, to her “Unknown friends in Middle School.”

“Hey guys! So a little birdie told me you were all going to middle school this upcoming year. So, as a friend you have never met, I have some advice. You’re probably freaking out about schedules and class changes. You have nothing to worry about! Teachers will guide you to your classes the first few days, and before long, you will know it like the back of your hand. Yes, it’s hard at first, but you’ll get used to it.

 Here is another thing that might be scaring you: homework. I’m sure you’ve heard that middle schoolers have a ton of homework. Sometimes it’s true. However, teachers and fellow students will help you get through it.

 Get enough sleep, buddy, because you’ll need to be awake to learn your lessons. I used to sleep in class and all I have to say about that is, DON’T DO IT! You don’t want to miss stuff you might need later.

 You might not enjoy all your teachers. Some might be nice, some might be mean. Some might be relaxed and easygoing, while others may be stiff as a board. Don’t let it get to you.

 As a friend, I’ve witnessed middle schoolers fall into the wrong crowds. Don’t be that kid. Focus on your work.

 Hey, I know you’re scared. I’m scared too. This is my last year as a middle schooler. Soon, I’ll be in high school. Maybe, just maybe, we can help each other overcome our fears. I believe in each and every one of you.

 Sincerely,

The Middle Schooler

Thank you Brienne, you said it better than I ever could have. You’ll do great at Red Bank High School.