The research is clear on the importance of student connectedness to school. Adolescents who feel connected to school and perceive the adults there to be caring are more likely to be academically and socially engaged. Middle school is a critical time for students to feel connected to school, but these grade levels present greater challenges to those who are working to foster student connectedness. In this article, the authors identify three focus areas that are critical to fostering student connectedness to school: (1) transitions to middle school; (2) student support systems; and (3) program elements that include an effective anti-bullying effort.