DEAR KELLY: I am in seventh grade and I am so overwhelmed with my school work and grades. Do you have any tips?

– Happy Girl

DEAR HAPPY GIRL: Middle school can be very overwhelming. Your feelings are valid and normal for many people your age.

Many kids freeze up and avoid doing homework when they feel stressed out. The longer they avoid the work, the more they fall behind. Eventually they are so behind that they just give up and accept a bad grade rather than attempt to get out of the hole they have gotten themselves into.

That pattern is an easy to one to fall into if you aren't aware of how you are feeling and what tools you need to keep yourself afloat.

One of the most important words when it comes to tackling school work is "organization." Being organized is not just helpful in middle school but also high school, college and in life in general. People who are organized are calm, more efficient with their time and more energized. They get better sleep and can make better decisions because their mind isn't so clogged.

For middle schoolers (and high schoolers), organization starts with your backpack. Think of your backpack as your home office – where you keep all your projects, important papers and assignments. If your backpack is a mess and you can't find completed work or sheets that need to be filled out for credit, you are in trouble. Organize your folders nightly and do a weekly backpack clean-out. Clearly labeled binders and folders for returned work will help you be prepared for tests and not feel so stressed out when you study. Stay organized so you remain focused and on track.

Another important step to feeling less overwhelmed is to plan efficiently. This means making lists and using calendars, school agendas, planners, note cards and sticky notes. By planning eveything that needs to get done, you can better organize your time and stay on task. Write down every assignment you have each night and how much time you need to get it done. Pace yourself. Sometimes a 15-minute break gives us energy and we feel more ready to tackle something. Check things off as you achieve them.

Prioritize your time and don't fall victim to your TV, computer or cellphone. Things like Facebook and texting your friends are what I call "time vampires" – they suck away important time without you even knowing it. When you finally get around to your work, you feel rushed, tired and un- motivated to get it done.

A clean work space is vital to feeling ready to attack your homework. It can be anything from a desk in your room to a kitchen counter or a dining room table as long as it is uncluttered and you have room to spread out. Make sure you have good lighting and keep distractions (like your beeping cellphone) off.

Don't be afraid to ask your teachers for help. They can point out things to save time or help you study better. If one class in particular is feeling stressful, let the teacher know how you feel and see if they have any tips to help you. You might be surprised – teachers really don't want to see you fail. They want you to learn and be successful.

Most students learn by trial and error what works and what doesn't. If you are feeling overwhelmed, something you are doing isn't working. Do you need to better organize your folder? Are you wasting time and studying when its too late? Are you using class time efficiently? Are you using study halls or homework labs at school? What are your priorities – school, friends, sleep or marathon sessions of "Jersey Shore"?

Answer honestly to evaluate where you can make changes to relieve your stress. Be patient and work hard. Organize. Prioritize. Develop good study habits. Surround yourself with other good students. Set your goals and then follow through on making them happen.

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Write to Kelly Richardson at Teen Talk, The Sacramento Bee, P.O. Box 15880, Sacramento, CA 95852, or email krichardson@sacbee.com.

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