From a synthesis of findings culled from a study that examined partnerships of families and communities with middle schools at multiple sites, researchers derived eight "lessons" that can help foster understanding of the nature of family-school partnerships in the middle grades. Researchers also elaborated implications of these lessons, which are highlighted by examples from specific middle schools. The lessons are: (1) the stakes are high and immediate for everyone in the middle grades, and schools can create programs that respond to the unique needs of middle-grade students and their parents; (2) challenges can become opportunities for parent and family involvement, implying that schools can make available specific educational opportunities geared to the interests of middle-grade families; (3) relationships are the essence of middle-grade family and community involvement, implying that schools can encourage direct contact between middle-grade families and teachers; (4) responsibility and decision making are shared by many individuals, including the child, implying that schools need to include families, teachers, and students in decisions about curriculum and instruction; (5) sustained parent, family, and community involvement depend on active advocacy by leaders, implying that schools need to look for a whole array of community connections and to use creative approaches in defining leadership and solving problems; (6) a system of supports for teachers and school staff is critical to parent and family involvement, implying that schools can provide professional development on promising practices and family involvement programs; (7) families need connections to the curriculum, implying that families need to create an environment that values achievement; and (8) schools need connections to the community, implying that schools need to seek opportunities to invite the community to participate in school activities. (BC)