by Ava McElhone Yates ’17
It feels as if the new year has just begun, yet as I walk between buildings after classes and play in sports games, I see the leaves changing color and feel the weather getting colder. Safe inside the warmth of the middle school, I realize the tests and quizzes are beginning to pile on, and that this all means it is almost mid-trimester. The school feels so familiar to me this year, and I’m happy to welcome the new seventh graders, the new eighth graders, and the new teachers with us at the middle school! Classes are interesting and informative as usual, and Mr. Tyree, Mr. Luikart, Ms. Hill, and Mr. Doubleday are bringing new energy and enthusiasm into their classrooms.
This year we are welcoming some new changes to the Middle School in addition to the students and teachers, a new music program (choosing chorus, band, or orchestra). Another change is that we have new laptops. The new eighth grade laptops are reliable and helpful in classes and at home. Definitely an improvement to last year’s computers, these have larger screens, longer lasting batteries, and more applications. Some students (including myself) take them home after classes, which can be very helpful because you always have your documents with you (when assisted by SkyDrive). The seventh graders have new swivel-screen laptops that can be used as tablets. They are having fun experimenting with what they can do with these. In addition, we are now using Schoology. Schoology is a web based communication tool similar to Facebook. Teachers are able to update homework assignments and projects and send notices to us using this. As someone who prefers to type documents, this is proving a very useful tool for me. Many other teachers and students seem to agree. Finally, we are all adapting to the new schedule! This schedule provides us with longer classes, time for experiments, and more effective time to complete class work. As an eighth grader, I can assure you that this schedule isn’t all that easy because it is a big change from last year. However, a few weeks into the year we are finally getting the hang of it.
Classes are beginning to get ready for concerts, projects, and trips. On October 11th, the seventh graders took a trip to Smith College, and the 8th graders are following a month later with our trip to Mass MOCA and Clark museums in November. People are learning each other’s names, and getting to know each other better, assisted by our Gym and Swim School Social a few weeks ago. There were plenty of things to do, including basketball, soccer, squash, swimming, volleyball, and, yes, dodge ball. Led by Mr. Niedz, we competed boy vs. girls and seventh grade vs. eighth grade.
The best part of the middle school is the activities and opportunities we have. There are so many things to look forward to this year. For now though I will just enjoy my classes and friends, relax, and have fun. Who knows what may happen in the year to come?
