I've taught middle school, primarily 7th grade, for over twenty years, and 7th grade was a very hard time in school for me personally.

7th grade is a transition year for a lot of kids. It is usually a year where the kids start getting lockers and switching classes more and many do not have the organizational skills needed to make and easy transition. Due to that and other factors, students' grades often slip in 7th grade.

In addition, 7th grade is often the "peer pressure" year. A lot of students who never felt peer pressure or the need to make friends before are now being pressured from several different sides. This contributes to some kids going down the wrong path, and yet another reason for poor grades. And, in your daughter's case, it can lead to feeling alone and a bit ostracized by the group if they don't quite "fit in".

My suggestions. First of all, talk to your daughter's teachers. Teachers are usually willing to help but are not aware of such problems if not made aware of them. Many teachers have over 100 students at that grade level. Teachers often group or pair students up and would be willing to put your daughter with someone who may perhaps be having similar problems making friends.

Find out extracurricular activities both in the school and outside of school. Attempt to get your daughter involved in one or two things. She will probably resist unless she knows other people in the group, but it's a good way of trying to get her to meet people. Make a deal with her: "Go to three meetings and if you still don't like it you can drop out". Hopefully within those three meetings she'll meet people and find reason to stay.

Get involved in some type of extracurricular activity with her. The first thing that comes to mind is a bowling league, but I'm sure there's other things as well. You would be her "friend" and she would feel more comfortable "getting out" there with your support, and through that activity, she'll hopefully meet other people closer to her age to associate with.

Good luck...feel free to contact me if you'd like.