Successful Students Have a Support Network

Your student may struggle academically, emotionally or otherwise in classes or in school in general. You can help your student access resources that can reduce some of this conflict.

Why It Matters

Connection can help your student stay in school.
When a student starts to feel disengaged from school due to academic, emotional or disciplinary issues, the risk of dropping out increases. Seeking help early can provide a connection for a student to feel successful and empowered. Students with a mentor are 55% less likely than their peers to skip a day of school.
Early intervention is key.
Working to solve a problem before it gets bigger will help your student understand how to seek and use resources, a skill that will be useful throughout education and career. In addition, as your student progresses, a small issue can have larger effects. For example, a student who has trouble synthesizing information may face larger struggles as materials become more advanced.
Even students who seem problem-free can benefit.
Students who are already doing well can see an improvement in their grades, involvement and social abilities by using the help available to them. Creating a network of support is useful for all students, now and throughout life.

What Your Student Can Do Now

Evaluate previous experiences.
Your student can spend some time thinking about how the previous few months have gone and identify any problems. If your student feels that a specific class or interaction is causing an issue, encourage a discussion with you, classroom teachers and school counseling staff.
Seek extra help.
If your student needs help academically, he or she can speak to teachers about outside help. Students who perform well may be willing to tutor or study with your student. The school may offer a math or writing resource center. If help is needed with other issues, consider talking to the school counselor or an outside professional.
Keep a positive attitude.
Small bumps in the road can seem like a huge obstacle in the moment. Your student can try to keep things in perspective by thinking about whether something will matter in a few weeks, a few months or a few years.

What Your Student Can Do Later

Create a community.
Your student can look for mentors who are older students, members of the community or school staff. It is important that your student build a community based on trust and honesty over time. These mentors should be able to help your student think through problems, push for improvement, and find and access available resources.
Continue relationships.
Once your student feels like everything is under control, he or she should not let a relationship with a helpful teacher, counselor or other mentor fade away. These people have shown a vested interest in your student’s success and can be helpful throughout your student’s educational career and beyond by being a sounding board, providing letters of recommendation and more. A longer relationship means the person has the experience to better advise your student in the future.
Build a larger community.
Your student will meet additional teachers, coaches, community members and friends of friends as time goes on. Continuing to seek connections with people will help your student learn how to contribute to a relationship and be successful in interpersonal skills.

What You Can Do

Watch for signs of struggle.
Poor academic performance, misbehavior, lack of participation in class or frequent social issues can all be signs that your student is disengaged—or they can be typical for middle school. Because you know your child, you are the best person to identify the difference. Be watchful and ready to encourage your student to open up to you about what is happening every day.
Communicate with classroom teachers and school administration.
If your student’s school has a portal where you have access to grades, a frequent eye on missing homework or dipping grades can help alert you to problems. If you suspect an issue, speak with your student and the teacher to get a full grasp of the situation. Attend parent-teacher conferences where your student’s teachers have the opportunity to discuss what they see in the classroom. Offer to accompany your student to any meetings with school administrators.
Help build your student’s community.
You may have connections through family, friends, community and religious organizations, and your career who may be good mentors for your student. Some organizations, like Big Brothers and Big Sisters and Mentor, can help.

Next Steps

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