While sixth through eighth graders may encourage their parents to stay away from their schools, teachers and school administrators will be seeking your involvement when the new school year opens.

"It's natural that young adolescents push away from their parents as they mature, but the reality is, deep down they want and need the support of their parents as they enter middle schools. And teachers certainly want parents to stay involved." That's the advice of Sue Swaim, executive director of National Middle School Association (NMSA), the nation's largest education group focusing on 10- to 15-year-olds.

"Even though parents are busy, they should work with their child's school right from the start of the school year to ensure the best possible learning opportunities for their young adolescent," Swaim continued. “There are five easy steps parents should consider."

1. Before the school year starts, write a short letter to your child's teacher(s). Describe the strengths of your child as a student, what subjects or activities he or she enjoys, how teachers have motivated your child in the past, and what his or her expectations are. Also, state your commitment to work with the teacher to help your child succeed.
2. Don't wait for the first official function of the school year to meet those who will work with your child. Generally, the back-to-school open house is held in the first six weeks of school, but a great deal can happen by then. Take a few minutes to stop by the school to introduce yourself to the principal and your child's teachers(s), perhaps in late summer or during the first week of school. Provide the teachers(s) with your name, phone number, e-mail address, and the best time to reach you when communicating by phone. Most importantly, encourage the teachers(s) to contact you at any time. After all, this is an investment in your child's future. Also, write down contact information for the teacher(s) and the best time to reach them—after school, during their planning period, or at home.
3. If your son or daughter is part of a team—which they should be in a middle school—find out more. Teaming is one of the most beneficial practices of the middle school for young adolescents and parents can add to its value when they fully understand it. How many students and teachers are on the team? Are any of your child's friends part of the team? Who is the team leader and what is her or his function? Is there a preferred communication path for you to follow—telephone, e-mail, personal meetings? Does the team produce a regular newsletter? Is information available about the team, their expectations, and homework on a Web site or school telephone line?
4. Stay in regular contact. Once you have determined, the best way to communicate with your child's teacher(s), make it a point to do so. While you may not have any concerns, teachers always appreciate parents who are attentive to their child's needs. Should a problem or issue arise, this familiarity makes future contact that much easier.
5. Offer to help chaperone a field trip, school dance, or participate in another activity. While your work schedule may not permit a lot of volunteer time, there are many things that can be done to assist teachers outside of school. Some teachers appreciate help producing a newsletter, securing materials for a lesson, or reading papers. Ask your child's teacher(s) how you might help.

Students learn best when the school and home form a partnership, and there's no better time to start collaborating than right at the start of the school year.