Can you believe it?! The middle school welcomed its first class of 6th Graders in September 2012 and it will graduate its first class of 8th Graders in June 2015. The school, which started with just two 6th grade classes, now has a vibrant community comprised of all three grades. So what is on the minds of our 8th Grade folks: Graduation and High School.
Our graduation committee (parents, staff and Allison Snell, our assistant principal) is hard at work planning a host of graduation activities, including an 8th grade trip; a dance; and a graduation ceremony. We’ll be establishing some wonderful traditions to pass down to future classes.
Over the last two years, our staff and teachers have also set up a full network of activities and services to further our students’ high school opportunities and plans. Our School Counselor, Johanna Provenzano, helps guide all of our students through the application process, including an overview for parents in the spring of 7th Grade, chaperoning groups of students on high school visits, and meeting with students and parents throughout the year. For students who want to apply to the NYC specialized high schools, we’ve arranged for a well-known test prep company to provide a test prep course after school at our middle school for a reduced group rate, and the PTA generously funds partial scholarships for those needing financial assistance. Between now and April, Tiffany Delhagen and Aaron Klingensmith, our 7th grade ELA and Math teachers, are providing weekly after school test prep sessions for the 7th Grade tests as well.
All in all, pretty exciting stuff!
By Cynthia Arato