On their first day of school, students did not attend any of their classes, yet they still learned a lot. We know students learn best when they feel safe, confident and happy. The first day of school was designed to create just such an atmosphere. The students spent the first day learning about their school, making new friends, and having fun. Some of the things we did:
- Played team-building games at the gym
- Learned about the library and wrote fun songs about books
- Understood our rights and responsibilities as valuable members of the Middle School community
- Explored how to use laptops effectively for learning
- Played some “getting to know each other” games in their House
- Received and learned how to use our ID cards, lockers, supplies, and schedule
- Took tours of the school to know important locations such as the Tech Help Center, the counselors, and the Nurse’s Office
We also launched the Middle School advisory program. Advisory is a caring group of peers that support each other throughout the school year. It is a “homebase” of approximately ten students that meet every day. One teacher serves as the Advisor for each Advisory and becomes a person students can go to for questions and concerns, whether they are academic or social. Advisory is also where students learn about the weekly events and announcements, plan for their Middle School activities, grow in social skills and study habits, have fun, and develop an inclusive, safe, supportive community within our school.