Visit the school building, learn the layout of the school and see what the atmosphere is like. If your child is able to have access to their schedule before the school year, have them visit the classrooms in which they will taking classes.
Meet with teachers before the school year begins and discuss the expectations they have for their students.
Make a homework schedule with your child and give them a planner to keep track of all of their assignments. Success in middle school demands much more organization on the part of students than elementary school.
Bring your child to the library during the summer to check out books off the school's summer reading list. Keep their mind active by setting two hours aside each day to read their assigned books.
Speak to your child about the social issues they may encounter in school, including peer pressure and drug abuse. Explain why certain behavior is wrong and explain the consequences of engaging in harmful behavior.