Middle School, Then and Now

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by Jream Barnett-Matthews ’19, Natasha Guy ’16, Pierce Hayton ’20, Elizabeth Raphaely ’16, and Gordon Wilcox ’20

Friends’ Central proudly maintains many traditions in the Middle School on which even upper schoolers can still look back fondly. One of these is the always-fun Phoenix Game Day, the final hoorah to a successful school year. Always balancing competitive spirit with good-natured fun, this day is still significant in the lives of current middle schoolers at Friends’ Central, providing some of the most treasured memories of middle school. Collecting pop tabs for the Ronald McDonald house is not only fun because it contributes to the points of a team, but it also emphasizes the service component that is essential to the Friends’ Central experience. Another tradition essential to the Friends’ Central Middle School experience is the week-long 7th grade trip to the overnight camp Echo Hill, located on the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland. Echo Hill brings students together in outdoor activities such as hiking and team-building exercises. Even the trips to the bathrooms, a.k.a. “privies,” provided bonding moments for everyone.

Friends’ Central has introduced much new programming to the Middle School. One of these programs is is The Mind That’s Mine; it’s one of our favorite new specials the 6th grade has taken on this year. The Mind That’s Mine (TMTM) is a class jam-packed with fun games and interactive learning about your brain and how it works. We have learned that there are so many different types of minds and all opinions matter. Technology in the Middle School has completely upgraded in recent years, and middle schoolers have been introduced to innovative ways of studying and doing schoolwork: Chromebooks! They are personalized for everyone to work diligently and to enjoy. Instead of writing on paper, having Chromebooks makes life much easier for current middle schoolers. Another difference in the Middle School today is the addition of clubs. There are many different clubs to choose from, ranging in size and purpose: some are more driven by fun, while others are service- or hobby-oriented. The reaction to clubs has been very positive, and everybody has joined a club that they enjoy. It is always a nice break from the school week, and a great element to Fridays. These additions and changes in the Middle School have helped it become a better community with more opportunities for everyone to learn and to enjoy themselves.

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