MIDDLE SCHOOL
FINDING THE NEW MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS NAVIGATE A NEW SCHOOL YEAR. By Kevin Boland HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
Is this actually a “new” beginning or just a continuation
As students returned, we noticed subtle differences in
of the “old”? The beginning of something can be eye-
their demeanor. Maybe it was our imagination. They all
opening, like a new chapter, the start of a new adventure,
seemed very aware, concerned, and more sensitive to one
new project, new job, new semester, a new workout, or
another. They were just glad to be back and seemed to
the decision to quit a bad habit. However we see it, it
appreciate this “new beginning.” A student dropped some
is a chance to start fresh, an opportunity full of endless
books, and a handful of students scrambled to help. New
possibilities. We might meet new people, try new things,
students learned to find their classrooms and where to go
challenge ourselves in ways that we have not in our past,
for lunch and physical education. The atmosphere at our
ditch old habits, anything to give us that slight edge.
Lobby meetings is more focused; there is less chaos when students enter the room. Students listen and ask questions.
As we begin a new school year, that for now, looks very
They are enthusiastic but reserved and respectful. In class,
different from the start of last year, we leave behind many
students seem more eager to learn, listen, and participate.
things that might be best forgotten. Things like isolation,
At lunch, they’re enjoying their time together with masks
missing friends, a simple trip to the store, a restaurant,
off, mixing with different peer groups. During recess, they
travel, remote learning, Zoom meetings, and the freedom
organize games, including some new ones they brought
to do what we wanted when we wanted. In many ways,
with them from their backyards or the beach. At dismissal,
perhaps it helped us realize the endless choices we had
students are torn between leaving their friends and
from the minute we opened our eyes in the morning until
boarding their cars to go home.
our heads hit the pillow at night. We held on tight for the ride that was longer than most anticipated—that roller
This new beginning may not be apparent to everyone,
coaster that entered the dark tunnel spinning out of control,
but it is to us. Sometimes minor things can become the
that seemingly endless trip that looked as if there was no
most significant. You have to start somewhere to make
end in sight.
the changes you might want to see. This apparent new beginning is not something students predetermined or
We see the light. It may not be as bright as we had hoped,
predestined or carved into their fate; it is beyond their
but it’s a start. In-person school, no virtual meetings, less
consciousness and is in the moment of each little decision
screen time, singing, drama, lockers, athletics, catered
they make in the course of their day. Our students see
lunch. We are still wearing masks inside and keeping a
things through a different lens this year, although they are
three-foot distance, but it’s a lot better. But it didn’t come
still breathing through their masks.
soon enough. Life is pretty much back to normal, and let’s hope it stays that way.
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SPIRIT OF THE DRAGON
