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december 15, 2021
Sixth Graders Prepare for Life After Seven Arrows Have questions about applying out to middle school? So did we.
Every year, the sixth graders leaving Seven Arrows have to apply to middle school, unless they will be homeschooled. Most people apply to a couple of different ones. Well, here to tell you what the experience is actually like, is my sister and current 6th grader, Isabella. - Emilia Passeri
Mily: When did you start looking at schools? Bella: I started looking right before school started, like in early September. Mily: What are the applications like? Bella: Some have lots of questions and some have little to none, but every year there is one "common question" all the independent schools have to have. This year it was: “What is your favorite part of the week and why?” Mily: Do you have to do or write anything special for the schools? Bella: Some schools require in-person essays. They will usually give you 30 minutes and an assigned topic that you have to write on. Mily: Do you go on tours? What are they like? Bella: Yes! Even though I was a little nervous, it was exciting to see the schools and picture myself going there. Mily: What are things that stood out to you? Bella: At Harvard Westlake, their robotics lab blew my mind. There were giant robots who were all made by students, in a rink with
obstacles. The students were preparing for a tournament against other school's robots. Mily: What tests do some schools require? Bella: Almost all schools used to require a test called the ISEE, but a surprising amount are now actually declining to see it. Mily: What is the hardest part of all this? Bella: Just managing everything. It does help that the sixth grade teachers assign less than what the usual amount of homework and give
you time to work on your homework during class. Even though it might get a little stressful throughout the process, our school does a great job taking that stress away. Mily: Are you and your friends trying to go to middle school together?
Arrow Eats: Chocolate Candy Cane Cupcakes Harry Weinstock
Ingredients:
Bella: I am applying to some schools where my friends are applying to, but not just because of them. Your friends might tell you that you shouldn’t apply to a school because they aren’t going to it, or the opposite. All I’ve got to say is that you shouldn't go to a school just because of your friends. Make sure you're applying to schools for the right reasons. Mily: What does it feel like to know you’re going to be leaving Seven Arrows? Bella: Even though it is sad and a little bit scary to be leaving, moving to a new school is a great opportunity to help you find your passions and discover more about yourself. But more important than staying at the school is the memories that you made here. Although it may feel like you are gone, you will always have those memories to remember this school by… and who said leaving schools meant saying goodbye to your friends? Head of School Margarita Pagliai Ms. Pagliai: I talk to the kids about what I like about them. I think many times children are humble and don’t want to say what they're good at. I also prepare them for the interviews they'll have at these schools, and show them the importance of asking questions. In the end, kids always find the right school. It’s a process for kids to learn who they are, and how lucky schools are to have them.
1 c. (2 sticks) butter1/4 tsp. salt 1 1/2 c. granulated sugar 2/3 c. unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda Cream Cheese Frosting
Directions
1/4 tsp. salt 2 large eggs 1 c. milk 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour 1 bag of candy canes
1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line 12-cup muffin pan with paper liners. 2. Beat butter, sugar, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt with a mixer on low speed for 1 minute or until well blended. 3. Add eggs; beat 2 minutes or until fluffy. Beat in milk and vanilla (batter may look curdled), then flour just until blended. 4. Divide batter among muffin-pan cups (about scant 1⁄4 cup each), filling each about 2⁄3 full. Bake until wooden pick inserted in the center of each cupcake comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. 5. Cool in pan on a wire rack 5 minutes before removing from pan to rack to let cool completely before frosting and decorating. 6. You can either gently fold the crushed candy canes into the frosting, or use them more as a garnish on top after the cupcakes are frosted. If you are feeling extra festive, do both!
