The Middle Matters

Happy New Year!

We are so excited to be starting another year in the Middle School.  There is something about the opportunity to have a fresh start while at the same time building on the relationships already in place.  Those of us who work during most of the summer, really appreciate the roar of returning students.  We do miss the energy of a full building and there is nothing else like it.
 
This week is all about adjusting to being back.  Tuesday is meant to have new students get a feel for the building and the adults before the big day on Wednesday when everyone returns.  Wednesday, we begin to take care of the "nuts and bolts" in the activity assembly, we practice a fire drill, advisories meet to get to know one another, and pictures get taken.  Students will follow an abbreviated schedule to at least get an introduction to each teacher and class.  Dismissal is at normal time.
 
Thursday we are not in session.  The office will be open, so feel free to call or email with questions. 
 
Friday is COMMUNITY DAY--a day for us to connect as a division, as individual classes, and in advisories.  Here is a run-down of the day:
 
The day will begin with the whole middle school together at 8:05am in Honickman Auditorium with a welcome and announcements. Each grade will then head to advisory to do an activity with the summer read, Wonder. Following that, Dr. Michael Fowlin (http://www.michaelfowlin.com/Fowlin/Welcome.html) will speak to the entire community. Dr. Fowlin is a regular guest speaker of the Middle School, and we’re confident he’ll give a meaningful presentation. Following his talk, students will again head to advisory for follow-up. The second half of the day will be advisory and grade-based activities and games that will be fun, challenging, and get the school year off to a great start.

 

Important reminders:

• Students should wear appropriate active-wear and sneakers
• Lunch will be at its normal time and follow normal procedures
• Dismissal for all students is at the usual Friday time, 2:50 pm

On Monday we have normal classes with the additional treat of pausing a moment to gather mid-morning for flag-raising--a wonderful ONE SCHOOL moment to revisit our history, raise the flag, and ring the bell to mark the beginning of Germantown Academy's 254th year as an academic community. 

Stay tuned, this is just the beginning...