Tips and Advice For Upcoming Middle Schoolers!

 Here are some of my best tips and advice I would give to anyone going into middle school OR just moving up a grade! This was highly requested to make a video of, for my “2Cool4Skool” series, but when I filmed it , it was over 20 minutes long! And I think having everything typed out is better than me just reading it!! Hope you Enjoy!!!

♥Don’t be scared- Even though the sound of going to Middle School may seem scary, it’s not.

Stay calm and try to just learn your way around school the first week. It’s not a big deal if you get lost or can’t find your class the first week. You can always ask a staff member or teacher for directions. Students are not always the best people to ask, since they probably don’t want to be bothered and they have their own classes to get to.

♥Be prepared- try not to forget your pencil, pen or other essentials…you WILL need them!

♥Be confident- Believe in yourself. Don’t let negative thoughts convince you on what’s going to happen(for ex. Omgosh, I am so going to fail the test tomorrow, I just know it)

Don’t get intimidated by your new surroundings, people from other elementary schools, a bigger school and older kids.

♥Do all your work- Do all of your work yourself and make sure you understand it.  Do the best you can and nothing less, hard work will pay off in the end. If you are having issues understanding something, don’t be afraid to ask questions or if you are able to stay after school for extra help. This will help you get great grades.

♥Homework- Just get it done ASAP, and you won’t have to keep putting it aside and having to do it at the last minute. If you have a free period, or even during lunch, try and get ahead of that night’s homework/ upcoming work(if possible). Procrasting just leaves to more stress and pressure on you, so don’t do it!

♥Getting Organized- Being organized is key to keeping up good grades and managing all of your schoolwork and homework. Use your planner/ agenda to keep track of assignments and upcoming events. Use different folders, notebooks and or binders for each subject. Keep your locker and back pack/ totebag clean at all times! Color coordination is also a very helpful way to be even more organized.

♥Managing Time- In middle school teachers expect more of you. You will have more homework, so be sure to schedule your time wisely. Allow a certain amount of time for homework and studying. NEVER wait until an assignment is due to start it, start early. Keep track of your homework assignments. Be sure to leave yourself time to get from your previous class to your next one ,if you have to go to the bathroom or your locker. Most schools only allow a maximum of 5 mins. In between classes.

♥Responsibility- You are expected to be much more responsible now that you are out of Elementary school. You will have to be on your own a lot more and have to depend on yourself to get from class to class. Act your age and be mature.

♥Listen and stay focused in class- I can not stress enough how important listening to what your teacher’s have to say, even when it might seem so boring  that they are putting you to sleep. Keep your ears open and be sure to take notes and mark important key words. What they are saying one day when you don’t listen at all, could appear on a test, quiz or pop quiz.

♥Use your locker- If your school has lockers, use yours, but don't overdo it when decorating and please be sure to clean it out frequently. Don’t share you locker combo with anyone, not even your friends, especially since they could go and give it to another person and then a chain could form. If you forget combos easily, then write it on a post it and stick it inside your shoe or keep it in your wallet.

♥Bring lunch for the first week- You really won't know the lunch system and it could take you all lunch period to get lunch.

♥Respect the Older kids- Don't bow down to them but be nice and don't say anything rude to them. If you know a bunch of older kids. 6th grade will be a lot more enjoyable.

♥Be yourself- I know everybody always says that, but it's seriously true. If not, you will find yourself more likely to befriend the wrong people, and not let your true personality shine through!
Be who you want to be, not who others want you to be!!! If you act fake, people will eventually notice.

♥Extra-curricular Activities-Find things that you enjoy, sports, clubs, activities, and get involved. It’s a great way to meet new people and to have fun.

♥Drama- Just stay away and you won’t have any problems; trust me! Enough said.

♥School Events- If your school is hosting a dance, sports game, etc. just go for it! Go with a group of friends and just have fun. If  you have the chance to go, just do it because you might regret it later on…

♥Make new Friends- This doesn’t mean that you can’t still be friends with your old ones, just be open to meeting new people and becoming their friend. They will most likely be friends without your whole middle school life and possibly high school.

♥School policies/ dress codes- This is always a major subject, just because there are always students who go against school rules and don’t dress school appropriate. Schools have rules for a reason, to help your time learning go much smoother and for everyone’s safety. Even though some dress codes may seem so unfair and unreasonable, just follow them. You don’t want to have problems with teachers confronting you about your appearance. School is a place for learning, not a fashion show. There is no problem with dressing cute, comfy and appropriate all at the same time.

  ♥Attitude- Attitude does matter, no one is going to want to be friends with someone who is mean, nasty, a bully, etc. If you are nice and have a positive attitude, then people will want to be your friend. There won’t be much of a reason for kids to pick on you, tease you or just be mean to you. Don’t let other insecure jerks bring you down.

♥Don’t worry about being “popular”- You are in middle school for 3 years. Most likely by the time you get to high school the “popular” kids will either be not so popular anymore or some of them will still be “popular”. The thing that even makes them more “popular” is everyone saying they are. Don’t worry about it, nearly no one is popular and average is just fine!

♥You’re not the only one in the school- There are soo many other kids in the hallway than you. This is going to sound a bit harsh, but everyone gets annoyed by it. If you are going to talk to your friends, DO NOT stop in the middle of the hallway, get whatever you need out of your locker then leave… no one wants their locker blocked. Also, if you are going to walk slow in the hallway, get out of the way; other people have classes to get to.

♥Chewing gum and Cell phones- If your school allows you to chew gum in class, then great, if not it’s not worth getting in trouble over. As far as cell phones go, I know most schools don’t allow them to be on or used at all during school hours. Either turn it off or put the ringer on silent, you don’t want to risk getting your phone taken away(if your school does that).

♥Pack Light- Don’t over pack your purse or backpack, you don’t want to be carrying around 30 pounds of books, when you can make frequent stops to you locker, if you have one.

♥Makeup- You can wear makeup to school if you want,I know I do. But please, do not go overboard on eyeliner, foundation, powder, bronzer and lipgloss/lipstick. Just keep your look natural and neutral and you will be fine.

                                   Good Luck everyone!!

                              Hugs and a new school year,

                                            =Amanda=