Hey, Middle Schoolers! 👋
We get it! Sometimes you miss school.
Maybe you’re sick, have an appointment, experience transportation problems, or need to stay home for another reason.
Life happens!
But here’s something important to remember:
Missing school doesn’t mean you have to fall behind!
As middle school students, you’re learning to take more responsibility for your education. That includes knowing how to catch up when you’re absent.
Let’s talk about how to get back on track!
🔎 Step 1: Check What You Missed
Before asking your teacher, “Did we do anything yesterday?” (You already know the answer to that one! 😂), take a few minutes to investigate.
Start by checking:
- Google Classroom: Look for assignments, announcements, instructions, and due dates.
- Our Class Website: Review weekly recap posts, learning resources, and important reminders.
- Exact Path: Check for assigned lessons and activities you may need to complete.
- Your Interactive Notebook or Workbook: Find out whether you missed notes, readings, or activities.
Pro Tip: You can check many of these resources from home! You don’t always have to wait until you return to school.
📝 Step 2: Make a Catch-Up Plan
Once you know what you missed, don’t panic!
Make a list of assignments you need to complete.
Start with:
- Assignments that are most important for understanding our current lessons.
- Work with upcoming or adjusted due dates.
- Notes, readings, or activities that will help you understand the next lesson.
- Other missing assignments you need to finish.
If you’re unsure which assignment to complete first, ask your teacher.
Remember: A good plan makes catching up much easier!
💻 Step 3: Use Your Learning Resources
Our classroom uses several tools to help you learn independently.
Take advantage of them!
Google Classroom helps you find assignments, instructions, and announcements.
Exact Path allows you to continue working on assigned lessons and practicing important skills.
Our Class Website provides classroom procedures, weekly recaps, learning tips, and helpful resources.
Your Notebook or Workbook helps you review information and complete written activities.
The more comfortable you become using these resources, the easier it will be to stay on track.
🙋 Step 4: Ask for Help the RIGHT Way
Sometimes you’ll need help understanding an assignment or figuring out what you missed.
That’s completely okay!
But instead of saying, “I was absent. What do I do?” try asking a more specific question.
For example:
- “I checked Google Classroom, but I don’t understand the directions for Tuesday’s assignment.”
- “I completed the reading, but I need help with question four.”
- “I missed the notebook activity. Which pages do I need to complete?”
- “I was absent for two days. Which assignment should I complete first?”
Pro Tip: Teachers can help you much faster when you explain what you’ve already tried and where you’re having trouble.
⏰ Step 5: Complete and Submit Your Work
Finding your missing assignments is only the beginning!
You still need to complete them.
- Follow the directions carefully.
- Check with your teacher about deadlines for make-up work.
- Complete assignments thoughtfully.
- Submit work through the correct platform or turn it in as directed.
- Check that your work was actually submitted.
Important: Being absent doesn’t automatically mean every assignment is excused or that all deadlines are the same. Your teacher will explain the expectations for making up missed work.
🌦️ What If You’re Learning Virtually?
Sometimes students may need to learn from home because of weather, road conditions, or other circumstances.
If you’re participating in a scheduled virtual learning day, remember that virtual learning is still a school day!
Be sure to:
- Log in at your scheduled time.
- Check Google Classroom and our class website.
- Follow your teacher’s attendance and participation instructions.
- Complete your assigned activities.
- Communicate if you experience technology problems.
If you’re absent rather than participating in virtual instruction, check with your teacher about the work you need to make up.
🤝 Step 6: Stay Connected!
If you know you’ll be absent, try to check your assignments ahead of time when possible.
If you’ve already missed class, make catching up a priority when you return.
And remember, you don’t have to figure everything out alone!
Your teachers are here to support you. The important thing is that you take the first step.
🎯 Your Challenge: The Catch-Up Champion!
Think you’re ready to handle an absence like an independent middle schooler?
Complete these five missions the next time you miss class:
- Mission 1 — The Investigator: Check Google Classroom and the class website to find out what you missed.
- Mission 2 — The Organizer: Create a list of assignments you need to complete.
- Mission 3 — The Planner: Decide which assignments to work on first.
- Mission 4 — The Communicator: Ask your teacher a specific question if you need help.
- Mission 5 — The Finisher: Complete and submit your make-up work according to your teacher’s directions.
🏆 Bonus Challenge: The 3-2-1 Catch-Up Reflection
In your notebook, answer:
3 places you can check to find missed assignments.
2 things you should do when returning from an absence.
1 way you can take responsibility for your learning when you miss school.
🌟 Final Thought: Miss a Day, Not an Opportunity!
Everyone misses school occasionally. What matters is how you respond afterward.
Don’t wait until missing assignments pile up!
Check your resources. Make a plan. Ask questions. Complete your work.
Being responsible doesn’t mean you never miss school. It means you know how to get back on track.
You’ve got this, middle school! 📚🚀
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