SYRINGA MIDDLE SCHOOL

GEAR UP Family Guide: Preparing for a Better YOU

Building Skills That Last a Lifetime

Middle school is about more than grades. It is a time to build habits, confidence, and life skills that prepare students for high school and beyond. Families play a powerful role in shaping these habits at home.

Supporting Schoolwork at Home

• Set a consistent homework time each day.
• Ask what assignments are due this week.
• Encourage finishing work before screen time.
• Help your student break large projects into smaller steps.
• Encourage asking teachers for help when needed.

Building Strong Study Habits

• Encourage reviewing notes a few minutes each day.
• Create a quiet, distraction-free study space.
• Practice time management using a planner or calendar.
• Prepare for tests several days in advance.
• Celebrate effort and improvement.

Healthy Eating & Energy

• Encourage balanced meals with fruits, vegetables, and protein.
• Limit sugary drinks and excessive snacks.
• Promote drinking water throughout the day.
• Encourage consistent sleep routines.
• Model healthy choices at home.

Teaching Organization Skills

• Help keep backpacks and binders organized weekly.
• Encourage checking grades regularly.
• Create a family calendar for important dates.
• Teach prioritizing tasks from most important to least.
• Support responsibility for personal belongings.

Encouragement & Confidence

• Use positive words and encouragement.
• Talk about strengths and growth areas.
• Teach problem-solving instead of solving everything for them.
• Encourage respectful communication.
• Remind them mistakes are part of learning.

Guidelines for Building a Better YOU

• Build daily routines that support success.
• Practice responsibility and independence.
• Encourage leadership and teamwork.
• Promote kindness and respect.
• Set short-term and long-term goals together.
• Stay involved in school activities.
• Encourage community involvement.
• Support resilience during challenges.

Strong habits in middle school create confident, capable high school students. Your support today builds skills that will last a lifetime.

Syringa Middle School – GEAR UP Program | Phone: 208-455-3305