I am excited to offer an early welcome to the incoming middle school students. Next year will look and feel very different as you attend a new school with older students and meet new teachers. You should know that we work hard to create a stimulating, caring and responsibility-rich setting at North Branch Area Middle School and that we are looking forward to your arrival.

During your time at North Branch Area Middle School, your minds and bodies will be changing at a more rapid rate than any other time in your life. You will be studying and working with new concepts and terms in all of your classes. You will be discovering that you have an interest or an aptitude in an area that you were not familiar with before and you will learn more about yourself and your own learning styles. You will also face challenges during your middle school years.

You will make new friends and establish new relationships with your classmates that may result in conflict or disagreement with your friends. You will frequently have homework to complete and many of you will be involved with activities that will take place after school so you will need to work on your time management skills. However, if you continue to give your best effort at school, you will find that you are able to be successful.

Middle school is a wonderful time of life where you will be learning and discovering much about yourselves and the world around you. We are looking forward to meeting all of you in the fall.

Answers to Common Questions

What if I get lost? By attending Open House, you will learn where your classes are before school starts. Middle School staff are very visible in the halls and are eager to help students find their way. If you can’t find a room, just ask...we are happy to help. We also post maps around the school for your use.

What if I can’t get my locker open? If you try your locker and it is jammed, tell your teacher or any staff member in the hallway and they will call for a custodian to help you. Be sure to memorize your locker combination when you get it in the fall. Write it down in a safe, private place, in case you forget it. Never share your locker combination with friends. If you forget your locker combination, check with a teacher or the office. If you do not know how to open a combination lock, practice this summer before school starts!

Do I have to worry about older students bothering me? Did you bother the 2nd graders? We hope not! Each grade level has their own hallway. When there are problems between students, it tends to be with students in the same grade levels. 8th graders don’t hang out in the 5th and 6th grade hall. They are great kids, just older and bigger than you! We expect all students to treat each other with respect and kindness.

Do we have homework every day? Yes, students can expect about an hour of homework most nights. In middle school it is very important to stay caught up with homework and the daily work completed during the school day. 5th and 6th grade students will use a daily planner, supplied by their teachers to keep track of assignments, projects, etc.

What if I don’t have the same lunch or schedule as my friends? One of the joys of attending school, is having the chance to meet so many wonderful people. Your schedule will not be changed to accommodate having lunch or classes with friends. We believe it is a good experience to branch out and meet new people. Bring a smile to class and lunch; be ready to say “Hi” to new and old friends!