Middle School Blast Sep 8, 2023
Note from Bill…
I have long felt that getting past Labor Day marks the “real” start of the school year. With this in mind, I trust that you and your child are feeling more at ease with the rhythms and flows of the school day. If you haven’t done so already, now might be a good time to sit down with your child and ask them how each of their respective classes are going, what the best and not-so-best part of each day is, etc. If your child is struggling with a certain part of the day, (carefully) press a bit further for more details. Obviously, if a concern surfaces that is causing undue stress or worry for your child (or you), please feel free to reach out to your child’s adviser, as this individual is your most immediate liaison between school and home. If more attention is needed, your child’s adviser can always point you in the right direction. More than anything else, clear and direct communication between home and school is an essential part of your child’s success, both now and in the years to come.
Our eighth graders depart for their annual week-long trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, along with the eighth grade faculty, on Monday, Sept. 11. I love attending this trip, as I get to see students in a variety of emotional states as they board buses at 5:45 a.m. Monday morning, giving awkward hugs and forced kisses to their parents, who themselves are in a variety of emotional states. Some parents are quite happy to send their child off for the week while other parents are holding back tears while the diesel fumes burp out of the tail pipes as the buses head south. On board these buses, students are nervously finding ways to settle in for an unknown week of challenges. Suffice it to say, when we return late Thursday evening, these same students depart the buses in a very changed state, certainly smelling quite different than when they left, and with a confident smile on their faces, attesting to the fact that they have experienced a very important part of their eighth grade year.
Taking on challenges and risks that appropriately push one’s self out of their comfort zone is a fundamental part of adolescence. As a Middle School, we intentionally design an educational journey that embraces this truth of growing up. Surrounded by their peers and teachers, a Middle Schooler thrives when they feel the support of a caring community that encourages them to take risks. Whether they succeed or fail, this inherent part of a Middle Schooler’s development is essential in bolstering their confidence and allowing them to grow into more self-assured individuals.
I will report in next week’s Blast how we all faired during this trip to North Carolina!
Be sure to scroll down for key dates and announcements.
Key Dates & Events
Monday, Sept. 11 — Eighth Graders leave for Adventure Trek
Thursday, Sept. 14 — Eighth Graders return from Adventure Trek
Friday, Sept. 15 — No School for Eighth Grade
Announcements
Internship Opportunity for Seventh and Eighth Graders
Interested in an internship focused on genocide studies? The University of Southern California Shoah Foundation, which is most notable for its enormous collection of Holocaust testimonies, is offering the chance to join a group of 40 seventh to 11th graders across the country on various Sundays over Zoom throughout this year to learn more about this topic. The selection process is competitive. Applications are due Sept. 20 and include a personal statement and a letter of reference. Contact Dr. O’Connor in the Upper School for more information. Here’s the link to learn more.
Alternate Routes during Dismissal
During dismissal from the Hillsdale Campus, Red Bank Road can become quite backed up as cars head toward Red Bank Expressway. Did you know there are alternate routes to reach main roads like I-71 and Montgomery Road? The map below highlights these alternate routes to ease your commute and cut down on traffic congestion as you leave campus. You can find a printable copy of the map here.
Spirit Week — Sept. 18-22
The week of Sept. 18-22 will be a Spirit Week in celebration of Homecoming. Check out the flyer for each day’s theme and prepare to show your Stinger pride!
Middle School Parent Community
Fall events are in full gear! We look forward to seeing you all at the many fun events this month.
Walking Club — New meet up location
We are a group of parents that get together bi-weekly on Wednesdays after morning drop off to talk and walk the lower soccer field. All divisions are welcome and no RSVP required. This group provides you a great opportunity to connect with other community members all while getting your steps in! Please park in the lower field parking area, campus guest passes will be passed out to ensure visibility, for security purposes. When inclement weather occurs, we gather at Element Eatery to chat.
Our next meet up is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept 13, from 8:30-9:30 a.m. Subsequent dates are Sept. 27, Oct. 11 and 25, Nov. 8 and 29, Dec. 13, and Jan. 10, 2024. I look forward to chatting with you soon. Carolyn Klein (Mom of Spencer, 11th grade, and Courtney seventh grade)
MSPC Upcoming Events and Happenings
Middle School Fall Parent Socials
Please save the date for your Fall Parent Social. You won’t want to miss out on this fun event:
- Sixth Grade Fall Parent Social — Sunday, Oct. 1, from 4-7 p.m. RSVP and see more event details.
- Seventh Grade Fall Parent Social — Saturday, Sept. 23, at 7 p.m. RSVP and see more event details.
- Eighth Grade Fall Parent Social – Saturday, Sept. 30 (timing/Evite TBD)
Sixth Grade Dance Party
The Sixth Grade Dance Party will be on Friday, Oct. 13, 6-8 p.m. More event details to follow.
Spirit Shop Volunteers
We are seeking volunteers to help in the Seven Hills Spirit Shop. All are welcome to join the fun and spread Stinger pride! Make lifelong friends in the Spirit Shop. Work one shift per month from 11 a.m.-1:15 p.m. That’s all there is to it! No experience needed. The Spirit Shop is located just outside Kalnow Gym on the Hillsdale Campus. If interested, please contact Lindsay Cassady.
For any MSPC related questions or to volunteer, please contact Lauren Boymel or Katya Trevino.