Responsibility in Middle Schools

Responsibility developed in middle school serves students throughout their lives.

Understanding and accepting the responsibilities of middle school can make the difference between success and failure for students. The transition from elementary to middle school encompasses new areas of independence and accountability. Middle school youths' parents who provide guidance at the onset of the school year are encouraging a sense of responsibility that will translate to a valuable life skill.

Punctuality

Middle school is generally the first experience with class changes. Students are expected to be in their seats when the bell rings. Teachers are usually lenient with tardy slips the first few days of school as students become acquainted with the building layout. Middle school students must be on time to the cafeteria, as lunch lines can be lengthy. Passing times between classes are approximately four minutes, so quick restroom breaks are in order.

Agenda

The daily agenda or planner is an important tool that aids the development of responsibility in middle school. Teachers prominently display daily objectives and homework. It's best to log this information into the agenda at the onset of the period. As assignments are completed, they should be highlighted in the agenda. This helps to ensure completion of homework. The agenda can also be used as a communication tool between teachers and parents.

Organization

Middle school students are accountable to six or more teachers. Required supplies should be purchased immediately. Sturdy binders can last all year. Habitually placing papers into appropriate binder sections helps to eliminate loss. A pouch in the binder houses pencils, pens and other necessary tools such as a protractor or calculator. Composition paper and notebooks are required for many classes. Taking the correct notebook to class will eliminate recopying the notes.

Locker

Success in unraveling a locker combination takes practice. Locker combinations need to be memorized and never shared, as this invariably results in problems later. There are designated times when students may visit lockers. Organize lockers so that morning and afternoon supplies are separated. Posting a reminder list on the inside door of the locker is helpful.

Assignments

Students are expected to meet deadlines on short- and long-term assignments without prodding from teachers. This necessitates careful listening in class. Responsibility is tested most when a student is absent. It is his responsibility to touch base with each teacher. Instructors often maintain an area in the classroom where students can easily locate papers. Placing a heading on each assignment should be done habitually.

Dress Code

School personnel define mandatory student dress codes. It is each student's responsibility to adhere to the code. When in doubt, ask questions of administrators. Maintaining a clean, groomed appearance is vital, particularly during these growth-spurt years.

Respect

Middle school students face the challenge of respecting authority, including substitute teachers. This may be a student's first encounter with a variety of cultures. Differences need to be respected. Students should have high regard for school property and the personal property of peers. A critical responsibility for all middle school students is reporting behavior that could result in harm or injury to another.

References

• School Family: Moving Up to Middle School

Resources

• Family Education: Easing the Middle School Transition for a Child with LD
• American School Counselor Association: Preparing for Middle School