7. DO use Star Portal!

Junior high students are expected to be highly organized and responsible. It is overwhelming to many students to suddenly have that responsibility thrust upon them.

Star Portal is a great tool that can help parents keep up with current grades and even see if they have failed to turn in an assignment.

Our junior high schools have VERY strict policies regarding late assignments, so if your student struggles with organization, Star Portal will be your friend.

8. DO NOT assume that because your child is participating in a group project that all of the other members of the group will do their part.

Group projects are a big part of junior high life.

Sometimes group members choose to work with one another and sometimes groups are assigned. This is a tricky one. Parents really shouldn't be part of these groups.

However, mom and dad can certainly bake some cookies or host group activities in their home.

It is difficult when you see your child do their part, but end up making a poor grade because someone else didn’t do theirs.

It can be beneficial to gently guide your child through their first group project by encouraging members of their group to hold one another accountable.

9. DO NOT forget that your child is no longer in elementary school.

Increasingly they will be involved in more and more activities that encourage their own independence.

Dances, Wyld Life, football games, skating rink, parties... these are all on the junior high menu, so to speak, and most children will want to be a part of them.

Each family has its own rules to be respected and followed. Trust is crucial. Guide them as they spread their wings and take those first few test flights.

10. DO attend events at LHHS such as plays, sporting events and musicals.

From a parent's perspective, junior high is just a blip on the radar, and then it’s over.

But for our children it can feel like an eternity, which is good for the students who are thriving in the junior high environment.

However, it's not so good for those who are struggling.

Attending events at the high school is a great way to get our junior high students thinking beyond "right now."

It will give them a glimpse into their future at all the other things our wonderful world of Lake Highlands has to offer them.

GOOD LUCK OUT THERE!

For more information on Lake Highlands Junior High visit the school's website here.

For more information about Forest Meadows Junior High visit their website here.

Be sure to also visit the LH Today Schools page for links to all our area schools and PTA websites.