Congratulations to all of our students who persevered through a pandemic to create a thoughtful and meaningful year of learning together! I am grateful for the wonderful students we have in the Middle School who worked diligently remotely and in person to get as much out of this school year as possible. I’m also grateful to be able to work with this TERRIFIC group of teachers, who went over and above to make the Middle School a FUN and SAFE space for students to grow into the young people they are today. I am also so appreciative of the support our parents have given to our teachers and to me. Put that all together, and I believe we can begin our summer with heads held high.

 

As Mike indicated in his presentation earlier in the week, we anticipate that next year will feel more “normal.” Exactly what that will look like will be dependent upon many COVID-19 related variables and guidelines, but I am very hopeful. More information on this topic will be shared in our early August “Welcome Back” information packet.

 

I have attached at the end of this blog information about our summer reading and math expectations. The idea is to keep students’ skills alive and well and to encourage a steady diet of reading during the next two and a half months. That said, we also want students to truly enjoy and grow from all of those activities that come with summer—a slower pace, a bit less structure, seeing family, having special experiences of one sort or another.

 

I would like to close with a special shout-out to our Eighth Grade class. They have been first-rate learners and leaders for the Middle School. They have grown so much since the day they entered the Middle School three years ago. I couldn’t be more proud of them and pleased for them, as they get ready to move on to their next adventure in high school. They are ready!

 

If I can be helpful in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me. Have a WONDERFUL summer.

 

Best,

Bill

 

To:  Rising Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Grade Parents

From:  Bill

Re:  Summer Reading and Math Expectation

With just a few school days left before summer vacation, it is time to pass along summer reading and math information.

 

All current and future Middle Schoolers should read every day during the summer.  We firmly believe that this commitment to reading consistently is essential to the continued growth and development of vocabulary and interpretive skills.  Moreover, reading stretches every mental muscle and expands all levels of thinking and feeling. 

 

Expectations for summer reading and math for students coming into Grades 6, 7, and 8 will be posted on the website June 1.  We have intentionally given children significant latitude in choosing books that fit their interests.  Do be aware that some of the offerings for eighth graders have more mature themes and should be selected only with parent permission.  We hope, however, that the emphasis will be on the daily nature of this expectation.  Please encourage your children to read books they enjoy and with which they are comfortable - there is plenty of time later on for War and Peace.

 

Please note that math expectations are tailored to each math course.  In short, rising Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Graders will need to complete a summer math packet intended to keep up their math understanding and to give them a bit of practice with previously learned concepts in advance of school start. This packet is designed to take not more than 8 hours.  We believe that student effort is best spent closer to the first day of school, rather than in June.  Students should print out the work, complete it, and bring it with them on the first day of school.  In the fall, students will be assessed based upon their completion of the review. 

 

Both the summer reading and mathematics review are designed to encourage and maintain the progress your child has made during the course of this year.  Just a few minutes of reading each day and a refresher in mathematics before returning to school can be instrumental in preparing your child to return to school in the fall ready for the new year.

 

Sincerely,

Bill

Head of Middle School