Middle School Life 2024-25

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Middle School LIFE

The Pennington Middle School

The Middle School at Pennington is a small, friendly environment with big opportunities for academic and personal growth. With just over 100 students in all, our Middle School offers its own curricular and co-curricular program, its own faculty dedicated to these transformative years, and its own unique identity. The Middle School, however, is very much an integral part of the larger Pennington community.

Middle School Launch

At the beginning of each year, the Junior Proctors welcome the entire Middle School—new and returning students— with ice-breaking and team-building activities. The Launch provides an opportunity for the Middle School students and teachers to get to know one another and kicks off the Junior Proctor program, which teams small groups of Middle School students with Upper School juniors in order to make a smooth transition through their Middle School years.

Specials

Throughout the week, all Middle School students take a break from their academic program to take part in common community experiences: Chapel; Community and Class Meetings; Clubs; Physical Life Skills; Advisory; and Junior Proctors. These “specials” take place after the first two periods of the day except on Fridays, when Junior Proctor meetings happen during first period.

Chapel

Each Monday, Middle School students and teachers walk to the Methodist Church just off campus for Chapel. Chapel is led by our School’s Chaplain and is intended to provide an opportunity for thoughtful reflection and contemplation as a community.

Community and Class Meetings

On Tuesdays, the Middle School community alternates between Community Meeting, Class Meetings, and Clubs. During Community Meeting, the whole Middle School gets together in the Lecture Center for faculty and student announcements about upcoming events and to share information about important issues, special presentations, celebrations, and more. Class Meetings are spent doing grade-level activities and team-building.

Middle School Clubs

Participation in clubs gives all students an opportunity to get involved in something new, pursue a personal interest, or create a new opportunity that does not already exist for others here at School. All club proposals must go through the Middle School Dean of Students for consideration and planning. Clubs meet within the School day.

Physical Life Skills

Each Wednesday, Middle School students take part in Physical Life Skills, led by local professionals. These skills range from swimming to yoga, physical fitness to mindfulness, and more. The experiences offered are practical, lifelong skills that can have a positive impact on students’ lives as they develop into adulthood. Immediately following Physical Life Skills, students are offered a snack before returning to class.

Advisory

Every Thursday, advisors gather together with all members of their advisory group to engage in a variety of discussions and activities including, but not limited to, setting and monitoring academic and personal goals, discussing relevant issues, playing games, and planning community service activities. During Advisory, groups establish a sense of comfort, trust, and camaraderie with one another and contribute to the personal growth of each member.

Junior Proctors

Every Friday begins with Middle Schoolers getting together with their Junior Proctors for a whole host of fun and engaging activities to end the week. Junior Proctors plan and facilitate these activities each week, enabling Middle and Upper School students to enjoy time together.

Middle School LIFE

Activity Requirements

Pennington Middle School students are expected to participate in two after-school activities each year. A complete athletic program is offered each season—fall, winter, and spring. There are other activity offerings each season, as well. These include Odyssey of the Mind, the Middle School Play, Middle School Singers, and After-School Art.

Student Leadership Team

Student leadership representatives are determined annually; two each from Grade 6 and Grade 7, and four from Grade 8. The Student Leadership Team meets every other week to plan annual events and consider unique opportunities that will enhance the Middle School experience. Eighth-grade Student Leadership Team members take on leadership roles within the Middle School.

Lunch Time

Lunch is a time during the day for students to nourish their bodies and to take advantage of some down time. Public spaces indoors and outdoors are available for students to gather with friends, play active or quiet games, or catch up on some reading. Since

Retreat

After the first month of school, Middle School sixththrough eighth-grade students and faculty spend a day off campus, engaged in activities ranging from team-building to individual and group challenges. Eighth-graders stay on for an additional two-day/twonight retreat just for their class.

Ski Trip

At the end of the first semester, Middle School students and teachers take a Friday off for a day of skiing at Shawnee Mountain. This is a time for both experienced and first-time skiers to enjoy a winter day away from School together. Whether you prefer the slopes or the lodge, there is something for everyone on this trip.

Middle School Graduation

Middle School Graduation takes place at 7:00 p.m. on the Thursday evening of the last week of the academic year. While the primary purpose of Graduation is to honor the eighth-grade class and the individuals who comprise it, it is a community event that all Middle School faculty and students are required to attend. Graduation requires formal dress, details of which will be provided in advance of the event.

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