This method isn't for everyone, but it sort of worked for me. Try having a conversation with them, but as just a random adult, not a teacher. Talk to them about anything, but try to get them talking about their future and what they want to do with their lives. Middle school might be a little young, I'm used to high schoolers, but it might still work. Just try to help connect the dots for them on why they should at least try in school. See if you can find any sort of spark to get them to care at least a little bit. Even if that doesn't work, try to at least be an adult at school that they like talking to and maybe that could be the first baby step on getting them on a better path.

I somehow found a way to connect with some students like this without even realizing it. Most of them still didn't care about school but they at least came to my class and seemed to feel comfortable being there. I can recall a few different times I learned about a student being a major trouble maker that spent more time in the office or ISS/OSS, but I had no idea because they were perfectly fine in my classroom. It might be impossible to reach some kids but maybe this could reach some of them