My niece started middle school three weeks ago and it has been a very confusing and enlightening time for us.

No lockers - notebooks or binders in every subject and no lockers. And of course, rolly backpacks are NOT cool in middle school.

Construction still going on at the school after 3 pm so the clubs haven't started yet.

She didn't get her elective, prompting repeated calls to school, various teachers and visits to school.

As always, teachers are asking for supplies for the classroom. Will it every end?????

She gets wednesday, thursday and friday off for Thanksgiving (we at least, got the whole week off).

Mega homework in every class, just about every night!!

And, of course, can't do without, FUNDRAISING IS STARTING!!!!!!!

Needless to say, after reading newspaper articles in the paper recently about the high rates of truancy in our local middle schools, a study where 20% of 8th graders have tried alcohol and I am scared to death!!!