Written by Michelle Stewart, principal
Parents often ask - How can I get my child ready for middle school? They are not asking about which backpack to purchase, which locker magnet is the best or which clothing item will not violate the dress code. They want to know how to help their children have the best school year possible.
I believe unwaveringly that all parents love their children and want the absolute best for them. They want them to be happy, satisfied and successful. They want them to succeed in school and more importantly, they want their children to be successful in life.
A couple of years ago, the Center of Workforce Innovations asked employers what they wanted from the workers they are employing. They responded by listing the following eleven "wants". Please keep in mind that the Workforce is not an educator group, nor were educators consulted when this list was compiled.
- Come to work every day on time
- Follow directions
- Apply good listening skills
- Concentrate on my work
- Recognize problems and find solutions
- Manage time effectively
- Maintain a safe work environment
- Be honest and dependable
- Dress properly and practice good grooming
- Be cooperative
- Have a positive attitude
When a parent asks what they can do for their child to be successful in school - this list pretty much sums it up. We need to teach the children to come to school on time every day and bring what they need with them. They need to listen and follow directions. They need to manage their time, be honest and dependable. They need to adhere to the dress code, be cooperative and above all, maintain a positive attitude.
As schools, we create handbooks and rule sheets and classroom procedures. Students, because of their limited experiences and their developmental levels, often have difficulties seeing why these rules are important. A common refrain from middle schoolers is "What's the big deal? I'm only 10 minutes late!" As parents it is imperative that you help them see why it IS a big deal when you are late to school. Why it DOES matter when you don't turn your homework in on time. Why it IS important to come prepared with materials every day. The habits they form now are the ones they are likely to carry with them to the workplace in their adult lives. World class athletes become great by practicing their games. So too, students need to practice good habits so that they become second nature to them as adults. Happily, if they practice these in order to become those more successful adults, they also find that their time in school becomes easier as well.
It is not that we at school want to ultimately produce the best "7th grader". We want to produce the best adult they can be. After all, children are only 7th graders for one year - they are adults, God willing, for a long time.