Middle grades schools have their hands full in working with elementary schools and high schools to improve the likelihood of success for middle grades students--accelerating learning, helping elementary students move seamlessly into the middle grades, preparing middle grades students for rigorous high school courses, changing organization and policies to prevent failure, and teaching students to use technology to advance academic and career skills. Many middle grades schools are "breaking the mold" as they seek and implement ways to help students realize their potential. This newsletter describes effective strategies middle grades and high schools are using to help students transition to high school and succeed in challenging high school studies.