While you would certainly not abandon your well-constructed discipline code, you want to avoid engaging in power struggles with students who might be challenging authority. Rather than overpowering them, be proactive and empower them. Starting early to build their leadership skills and entrusting some responsibilities to them might channel their great energy in positive ways. They bring great enthusiasm to service projects and programs. It is important that the student government be given real and significant responsibilities in service to their constituents in the school.
Some high schools permit students to be inducted in junior or senior year.
Perhaps a second opportunity might provide encouragement for students not quite ready for induction. Students who find a niche as class clown or the class rebel might assume this negative role as a result of not having another significant role in the school community. I encourage you to dialog with the parish and school administration, the middle school faculty and middle school students to clarify the issues you have identified, and to generate possible actions that might be taken to affirm the early adolescents at your school.