In the summer of 1989, Summer Home Learning Packets in mathematics and language arts were distributed to seventh and eighth graders at Calverton Middle School (Maryland). The packets contained review exercises for students to complete with the help of their parents. In the first of the two studies reported in this document, "Reactions of Parents and Student to Summer Home Learning Pockets in the Middle Grades" (Joyce L. Epstein and Susan C. Herrick), students and parents were surveyed concerning their opinions on the packets. Results indicated that families appreciated the school's efforts. Parents and students offered recommendations for improving the packets. In the second study, "Effects of Summer Home Leaning Packets on Student Achievement in Language Arts in the Middle Grades" (Joyce L. Epstein and Susan C. Herrick, the effects of the learning packets on students' language skills were examined. An English achievement test was given to sixth graders in the spring of 1990, and again in the fall of the seventh grade, after students had worked on the learning packets during the summer. Results indicated that, in general, students' scores in the posttest were predicted by their scores in the pretest. However, for students who were marginal in skills, the number of packet activities completed in the summer was related to an increased posttest score. Appendixes to the first study include copies of the survey questionnaires and tabulations of survey results. Five references are cited. (BC)