What to expect when you come to the Middle School...
Students and families entering the Middle School, either as rising 6th graders from the Lower School or as new students, will find that many programs exist to ease their transition into the Middle School community. Developmentally, early adolescence can be fraught with great change, anxiety, and uncertainty. Walker counters these tendencies by building a real community which not only fosters personal responsibility and independence, but also nurtures life-long connections.
The Student Advisory Program was adopted to help incoming students feel welcome within their new peer group. Student Advisors-- many of whom also host “shadowing” students during the admission process -- volunteer to contact a new student in their grade level over the summer. These returning students can answer questions, provide the “inside scoop,” and may even host summer “get togethers.” Student Advisors then help their new peers during the first weeks of school by introducing them to other students and encouraging social interactions.
Rising 6th graders also benefit from an 8th Grade Mentoring Program. 8th graders volunteer to contact 6th graders over the summer and provide an experienced students’ perspective on all aspects of Middle School life. These mentors continue their involvement with the 6th graders throughout the year… whether by recognizing a special achievement, hosting a breakfast, providing tutoring services, or by just lending a friendly ear.
The Middle School Advisory Program, described in more detail in the Counseling and Guidance section, provides yet another avenue for students to make connections with their peers as well as a faculty advisor. Students meet throughout the school year in small groups in an atmosphere where students can discuss issues and concerns, and relax and enjoy one another under the guidance of a trusted adult.
Perhaps the most obvious way the Middle School nurtures connections is through the annual “Middle School Retreat Day.” During the first week of school, students across grade levels are divided into color teams and meet at a local park to have fun together and participate in friendly competitions. These teams also compete throughout the year in Wednesday morning assemblies with academic contests, charitable drives, and games. The Retreat Day is a celebration of the new school year and is organized by the parents.
New Students:
Over the summer, you will be contacted by a Student Advisor (described above). This returning Walker student is someone from your grade and will be in your homeroom as well as in some of your classes. Hopefully, you and your Student Advisor will get to know each other before school starts in August. This way, you will feel confident that you will know at least one person! If you are starting the 6th grade, remember also that you will have an 8th grade mentor (see above).
Please expect an adjustment period! It will take some time to get to know everyone, learn your way around, and become accustomed to both the freedoms and responsibilities of Middle School life. You may have to adjust to a greater amount of homework than you have had before. Don't worry! You will soon learn how to use your time wisely, and before long, it won't seem like all that much work. Middle School teachers try hard to make learning fun, so most students find the extra effort worth it in the end. New students are encouraged to get involved, but be careful not to over commit! There are so many sports and extracurricular activities, you may find it hard to balance it all if you join too many. There are service clubs, academic clubs, after school opportunities in drama and music, and much, much more. Many sports opportunities also exist. Please be aware that this may also be your first time trying out for teams where the coach has to make cuts. Remember, if you don't one team, there will be chances to play on others. The Middle School normally offers at least one no-cut sport each season.
For Middle School Parents...
Opportunities for connections are not limited to the students! Parents will find that there are many avenues for involvement in the Middle School and in the Walker community as a whole: chaperoning a dance, helping coach a sports team, getting involved in WSA or the Booster Club, or assisting with the annual Walker Auction… just to name a few. Parents will have the chance to meet all of their child’s teachers and experience his/her daily schedule during a Middle School Parents’ Night early in the year. Special conference days are available in late fall.
New Walker parents: In the Spring, you will receive an invitation to meet with Mr. Fisher, Mr. Tilley, Mrs. Conrad, Ms. Vaughan and parents of other students either new to Middle School or new to Walker. You will also receive a packet of information and some registration sheets for student summer activities. It is often a good idea for new students to attend at least one of the summer programs. This will give them the opportunity to meet and get to know other students in their grade, which often makes their overall transition easier.
"...Thanks to friendly people and great teachers, my first experience at Walker was excellent."
-- Chris (Middle School)
"I came to the Walker School in Pre Kindergarten. I remember I felt scared. I didn't know if the teachers would be nice to me or even if the kids would. It didn't take long until I realized that everything I thought was wrong. The teachers were kind and I met a lot of nice kids. The Walker School is something special."
-- Tim (Middle School)
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