Dear Middle School Parents,

Spring has blossomed, and those winter days when we were often forced to stay inside are behind us. The third quarter of this school year ended on March 19, and we are now accelerating through the fourth quarter!
Just a few thoughts are offered here.

1. The boys do need to get outside more; it’s important and healthy. Less electronic time and more outdoor time is definitely a good idea.
   
2. However, we strongly recommend that each of our Middle School boys sustains the discipline of spending one and a half to two hours a night on homework. Homework involves time and energy in the following zones: written, study, reading, and research. There is always worthwhile homework to do.
   
3. The effort report card is what really matters. Continue to encourage your sons to give A for effort in each of his courses.
   
4.  In the memory zone: repetitions do work. I repeat—repetitions do work! One formula for success that is effective is the following: Read it. (visual) Recite it. (auditory) Write it. (kinesthetic) Team it. (social/relational). Multi-sensory learners use all four zones. Provide a little help to your son in finding the zone that works best for him.
   
5. Finally, one of the best messages for your sons and for us all is that determination delivers positive results.