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Incoming Middle School Resources
Helping Your Child Thrive in Middle School: A Guide for 5th Grade Parents
As your child prepares to transition from elementary to middle school, it’s natural to feel a mix of excitement, pride, and maybe even a little worry. Middle school is a time of tremendous growth—academically, socially, and emotionally. With the right support at home, your child can navigate this new chapter with confidence and success.
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Here are four key areas where your involvement can make a big difference:
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1. Stay Involved (Even if They Act Like They Don’t Want You To)
Your child may start to crave independence, but they still need you—just in different ways. Attend back-to-school nights, read school newsletters, and keep up with their grades and assignments through online portals. Ask open-ended questions about their day, teachers, and friendships. Being present and engaged shows them you care and gives you insight into how they're adjusting.
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Tip: Schedule a regular check-in time each week to talk about school—perhaps during a drive or over dinner.
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2. Create Smart Homework Habits
Middle school often means more homework and bigger projects. Help your child develop time management skills by setting up a consistent homework routine. A quiet, organized space and a set time each day for homework can reduce stress and distractions. Encourage them to use a planner or digital calendar to track assignments and due dates.
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Tip: Resist the urge to do the work for them—support them with guidance, but let them own the process.
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3. Set Boundaries Around Cell Phone Use—Especially at School
Even when turned off and put away, cell phones can still be a major distraction. A study in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that just having a phone nearby can reduce attention and memory—even if it’s not being used so keeping it home is the best option.
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In middle school, phones also increase the risk of social stress, cyberbullying, and classroom disruption. If your child needs a phone for after-school safety, be sure they understand your school’s rules and your expectations.
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Tip: Most smartphones allow you to limit access to non-essential apps during school hours. Check your device settings or parental controls to help your child stay focused during the day.
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4. Stay Connected with the School
Rampello offers many ways for parents to stay involved—from volunteering and attending events to joining the PTSA. Building a relationship with your child’s teachers and counselors helps you be proactive if challenges arise.
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Tip: Know who to contact for academics, behavior, or emotional concerns so you’re ready when support is needed.
5. Explore Rampello-Specific Tips for a Smooth Start
Rampello has put together a helpful guide with academic and social-emotional tips tailored for our incoming middle schoolers. This resource, created by our school administrators and guidance team, includes strategies to help your child build confidence, stay organized, and feel connected during this exciting transition.
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Click here to view the Rampello Middle School Tips for Success
We encourage every family to review it together and refer back to it throughout the school year. It's a great tool to help your student feel prepared and supported from day one!
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Additional resource publications:
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/school-help-middle.html
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Sources:
Cell Phones as Distractions in Schools - https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/abs/10.1086/691462
Parental Involvement and Academic Success - https://sedl.org/connections/resources/evidence.pdf
Middle School Transitions - https://www.rand.org/pubs/monographs/MG139.html