We'd like to share information about what your child should expect when entering middle school. How will middle school be different from elementary? How is our middle school unique (as compared to other middle schools)? What responsibilities/opportunities will middle school students have?
What to expect in Middle School
- Your daily schedule will be different. You will change classes more frequently throughout the day.
- Classes are more structured than in elementary school.
- Teachers have high expectations for students regarding personal responsibility, and teachers will support students in this area. Teachers also have high expectations for behavior (and self-regulation); one student said, “Behave because you won’t be able to get away with small things anymore.”
- Along with that, discipline policies are more strict.
- Homework must be completed. Expect about an hour of homework for 6th grade. Developing the habit of completing homework regularly is important. Often, more effort is required on homework than in the past. One 6th grader said, “If you do your homework, you will learn better and get better grades.”
- Because students have individual subjects in their schedules, they go into more depth when learning. In other words, academics are more rigorous.
- Classes are more student centered. Students will learn to become more independent in learning.
- Students will participate more in project based learning and research, and they will be self-starters by 8th grade.
- Students will learn organizational skills and study skills in their classes. They will need the supplies on the supply list to help keep organized.
- Teachers and staff help students create positive habits toward work, teaching students “How can I challenge myself?”
- Recess is scheduled once a day, after lunch.
- Middle School students will have a separate uniform from elementary students.
How is our Middle School Unique?
- Small size – The small size allows us to build good relationships and students to feel welcome, it contributes to a family feel (so we have normal family problems) and it allows greater opportunities for leadership. Students are more noticeable to teachers so it is harder to hide, and they must participate in classes. Students develop relationships with other staff members outside of their teachers.
- Staff is very aware of psychological and academic development of students. Students have opportunities to work with students from other grades but also have grade level groupings so that they develop and learn at an age and academic appropriate level.
- Through a grant with Safe Communities Safe Schools, a program called Positive Action has been implemented in the middle school classrooms this year and will continue to be used next year. It is a middle school wide social-emotional learning program that teaches and reinforces the intuitive philosophy that you feel good about yourself when you do positive actions (both toward others and toward yourself).
Responsibilities/Opportunities
- Students develop leadership skills – e.g., leading activities during Field Day, assisting with cultural days, helping in classrooms, the lunchroom or the front office.
- We have set up a partnership with CSCS for students to be able to participate in some sports.
- Students can initiate other ideas/opportunities as well.