By now, I hope your daughter has gotten into the swing of her first year in middle school and that she already has at least one friend with whom she feels comfortable and happy. Middle school can be a very challenging time for kids (and their parents). The changes are many and they keep coming! From the increased number of teachers a student has to deal with, plus the course work and need for greater organization skills than most 11-12 years old have yet to develop. Then there's all the social stuff, the shifting friendships, the Bf/Gf Zone, and, what I call, Peer Approval Addiction (i.e., the compulsion to do or say whatever it takes to fit it, even stuff you may not be particularly proud of). In spite of all that, parents can and must stay tuned in and place themselves at the epicenter of your middle schooler's support system.
By keeping the lines of communication open while respecting your daughter's increasing need for privacy (a tricky balance) you and she can support each other as you navigate these waters together.

I hope this helps!
In friendship,
Annie