Adolescents are entering middle level schools today with more sophisticated skills and a broader range of positive experiences than ever before. However, middle-school students undergo major physical, emotional, social, and cognitive changes. This publication describes the role of educators and the school in helping middle-school students develop the values of trust, respect, and self-esteem. Although principals and teachers should collaborate as team members, the first two of the following strategies are aimed at principals: (1) investigate resources; (2) assume the competency of students; (3) expect success; (4) provide a safe environment; (5) encourage moral reflection; (6) provide students with volunteer opportunities; and (7) provide conflict-mediation experiences. Four schools with effective middle-school programs are also described. Short Pump Middle School in Glen Allen, Virginia, has classrooms comprised of both regular and special-needs students. The middle-school philosophy of absolute teaming is successfully utilized at the Hall-Dale Middle School in Hallowell, Maine. Effective conflict-mediation programs have been initiated at Washington Middle School in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and at Highland Park High School in Detroit, Michigan. Each of the school principals reported the same key to success--involving the entire faculty, staff, and community. (LMI)