8 minute read
MIDDLE SCHOOL
FINDING THE NEW
By Kevin Boland
HEAD OF MIDDLE SCHOOL
Is this actually a “new” beginning or just a continuation of the “old”? The beginning of something can be eyeopening, like a new chapter, the start of a new adventure, new project, new job, new semester, a new workout, or the decision to quit a bad habit. However we see it, it is a chance to start fresh, an opportunity full of endless possibilities. We might meet new people, try new things, challenge ourselves in ways that we have not in our past, ditch old habits, anything to give us that slight edge.
As we begin a new school year, that for now, looks very different from the start of last year, we leave behind many things that might be best forgotten. Things like isolation, missing friends, a simple trip to the store, a restaurant, travel, remote learning, Zoom meetings, and the freedom to do what we wanted when we wanted. In many ways, perhaps it helped us realize the endless choices we had from the minute we opened our eyes in the morning until our heads hit the pillow at night. We held on tight for the ride that was longer than most anticipated—that roller coaster that entered the dark tunnel spinning out of control, that seemingly endless trip that looked as if there was no end in sight.
We see the light. It may not be as bright as we had hoped, but it’s a start. In-person school, no virtual meetings, less screen time, singing, drama, lockers, athletics, catered lunch. We are still wearing masks inside and keeping a three-foot distance, but it’s a lot better. But it didn’t come soon enough. Life is pretty much back to normal, and let’s hope it stays that way. As students returned, we noticed subtle differences in their demeanor. Maybe it was our imagination. They all seemed very aware, concerned, and more sensitive to one another. They were just glad to be back and seemed to appreciate this “new beginning.” A student dropped some books, and a handful of students scrambled to help. New students learned to find their classrooms and where to go for lunch and physical education. The atmosphere at our Lobby meetings is more focused; there is less chaos when students enter the room. Students listen and ask questions. They are enthusiastic but reserved and respectful. In class, students seem more eager to learn, listen, and participate. At lunch, they’re enjoying their time together with masks off, mixing with different peer groups. During recess, they organize games, including some new ones they brought with them from their backyards or the beach. At dismissal, students are torn between leaving their friends and boarding their cars to go home.
This new beginning may not be apparent to everyone, but it is to us. Sometimes minor things can become the most significant. You have to start somewhere to make the changes you might want to see. This apparent new beginning is not something students predetermined or predestined or carved into their fate; it is beyond their consciousness and is in the moment of each little decision they make in the course of their day. Our students see things through a different lens this year, although they are still breathing through their masks.
A YEAR OF FIRSTS
FIRST IMPRESSIONS FOR STUDENTS NEW TO MIDDLE SCHOOL AND GCS.
By Brita Stewart
MIDDLE SCHOOL DEAN OF STUDENTS
In late August, as GCS prepared for the 2021–2022 school year, a realization dawned on the Middle School faculty: For some of our sixth graders, this would be their first regular school experience since being in the fourth grade.
It is true for students in all grades, of course, this time-hop feeling brought on by the pandemic—as educators worldwide have discovered. But when put in the context of the elementary to middle school transition, it feels particularly significant. Not only are many of our middle school students adjusting to a new school or division, but they are also readjusting to physically being in a school building.
For this reason, the faculty is taking extra care this year to bring all the students into the community and is providing intentional time and space for students to get used to our routines and procedures. Vita Wyatt ’27, who joined GCS’s seventh grade this year, says, “Being new, it’s nice to be able to get used to it slowly.”
She is also a fan of the longer passing time and breaks incorporated into the 2021–2022 school year schedule. “It’s nice that you have enough time, so you’re not rushing from place to place,” she says.
Sixth-grade student Miles Naga ’28 appreciates two aspects of life in middle school that make it different from his elementary school experience: the presence of lockers and team sports.
“Having a locker makes it easier to keep my stuff organized,” he says. “And I like having sports during the day, and I don’t have to stay after school. I can be on the school team and my [local] team after school.” The total return to arts and athletics has been key to building cohesion among the students. Wyatt found that joining the field hockey team helped her get to know people while doing something she enjoys. And the Mulitz Theater is once again filled with the sound of young voices as students rehearse for the first live Middle School musical in two years, Moana.
For last year’s virtual students, returning to campus allows them to interact with teachers and classmates to their educational and social benefit. Eighth-grade student Ella Madhok ’26, a virtual student last year, says, “Even in masks, you can communicate better with teachers in person, and it’s nice to be able to meet with them. It’s nice to have social time with everyone.”
Seventh-grader Nora Blagojevic ’27, another virtual student last year, says that despite the numerous ways she engaged with school life online—from academics and music to weather club and Battle of the Books—it’s exciting for her to be in the Middle School building. “I like having study hall,” she says, “and it’s nice to get away from the computer.”
Middle School is always a time for many firsts—first school musical, first time playing on a school team, first time running for student government. This year, that feeling is amplified for both students and faculty. There’s an acute awareness that everyone is together again for the first time in 18 long, hard months. We are grateful to be here and, like Blagojevic, glad to be away from the computer.
Opposite page, from left to right: Vita Wyatt ’27, Nora Blagojevic ’27, Ella Madhok ’26, and Miles Naga ’28 on the Middle School patio.
FACULTY SPOTLIGHT Kathlene Humphrey
An interest in coaching transforms a consultant into an educator.
PLEASE GIVE US SOME BACKGROUND ON YOURSELF AND YOUR EXPERIENCE.
Before teaching, I was working at a consulting firm for government contracting as an accountant. The job was just a job and nothing that fulfilled me. During that same time, I started coaching soccer and have done that for the last five years. Through that experience, I realized my passion was to teach children. So with my background and experience in math and accounting, I knew teaching math was where I needed to be for a fulfilling career.
WHY TEACHING?
Teaching was something that always brought me joy. Being able to watch young minds start to grasp information that they have been working on is such an inspiration. Making the jump from being an accountant to being a teacher has been the right choice and decision.
WHAT BROUGHT YOU TO GCS?
I came to GCS through my coaching experience. I found out about a job opening as the junior varsity and assistant varsity coach for the girls soccer teams. Once I signed my contract to coach, I learned about the teaching position for middle school mathematics. This was a blessing that could not have been missed.
WHAT IS ONE OF THE MOST REWARDING MOMENTS AS A TEACHER?
Since this is my first time as a teacher, I believe that the most rewarding part so far has been to watch the kids come into class ready to learn and share their thoughts.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR STUDENTS LEARNING IN A PANDEMIC?
Be patient and know that there is always a space to ask questions and get extra help. We are all in this together..
