DOES IT REALLY PAYOFF? HOW CAN WE GET OUR STUDENTS TO BUY INTO THE FACT THAT THE PAYOFF FOR STUDYING IS GOOD GRADES, WHICH CAN TRANSLATE INTO MANY OTHER THINGS THAT THEY HOLD SO NEAR AND DEAR TO THEIR HEARTS. SUCH AS, HUGS AND KISSES FROM MOM AND DAD, PROMOTION TO THE NEXT GRADE, MOVIE NIGHT, SPORTS PARTICIPATION, NEW CLOTHES, PHONES AND TEEN TOYS JUST TO MENTION A FEW.

Middle Schoolers must realize that now is the time to develop those study skills and habits that will guide them to the successful completion of Middle School, high school and college. We believe with effort, motivation and planning Bunker Middle School Students can be successful.

Where do you start with the unmotivated, unorganized student who puts little effort into working to their best ability? I don't have all the answers but I can provide a few tips that if followed will bring about some measure of success for most student.

Be in class. If your child must be absent for any reason, remember to collect all missed assignments. They are still due and will have an impact on grades unless cleared by the Teacher.

Pay attention. Teachers will often spend more time discussing items that will appear on a test or worksheet

Learn the Teacher's grading scale and class expectations. It helps to have a clear understanding of class goals and grade points for assignments.

Organize. Make use of planners and assignment sheets daily to ensure that all assignments are completed and turned in on time. Don't rely on memory. Develop the habit of writing down each daily assignment for each subject and checking it off when completed.

Keep track of important papers. Use a binder that has separate pockets labeled for each class. This allows students to easily locate completed work to be turned in, papers returned by the Teacher, and new homework assignments.

Set a specific time to study. Students should tackle assignments while the information is still fresh. Before becoming involved with other activities, such as, video games, television, telephone, or outside play. These activities will only steal prime study time, causing them to be tired or less interested in study as the evening wears on. Extra curricula activities and sports should be included. Make a study schedule and stick to it as much as possible.

Find a favorite study spot. Study away from loud noises and other distractions. The area should be large enough to spread out books and papers. Also, good lighting is essential along with a secure place to leave study supplies, such as, paper, pens, calculators, highlighters and staplers.

Study your most difficult subject first. Students will be more alert and can spend a greater amount of time on this class if need be. Then complete other assignments based on difficulty or due date. It is also a good idea to build in study breaks if many assignments are due.

Get a good nights sleep. A successful school day begins with a student who is well rested and alert. This can make the difference between passing and failing a class.

Help your child analyze his study habits and what work best. Sample discussion questions: Which class do you think will require the most study time? Is this a good place to study? Was your planner up to date? How long do you think study breaks should be? Should we change anything?

Use other sources. Try to attend Parent/Teacher Conferences, contact Teachers for assignment clarification and makeup work, utilize the Parent Internet Viewer on the Muskegon Public Schools homepage to be informed about assignments and current grades, consider after-school tutoring and contact the school Counselor for additional input if needed.

I hope these tips on organization, structure and support will help your child develop a "can do" attitude about being successful in Middle School.