Finding Their Way: Sixth-Graders Get Preview of Middle School

By Jillian Daley

There is a lot for North Marion Middle School sixth-graders to be excited about during the first day of school this Wednesday: meeting friends and teachers, joining clubs, trying new classes, and going on field trips. But students are also anxious about such a big change from grade school. 

Sixth-grader Austin Stocking was fretting about being able to find her classes after years of staying in one classroom, while Giovanni Reyes Betancourt admitted to generally feeling nervous about attending a new school.

“It’s the first day, and you have to get used to things,” Reyes Betancourt explained.

Sixth-Grade Orientation, held on Tuesday morning, offered a chance to do just that, soothing nervous newcomers. Sixth-graders and transfer students who attended the event toured their new school and learned all it had to offer before setting foot on campus with most of the other students on Wednesday.

Student Services Specialist Brad Horton, who ran Sixth-Grade Orientation, said that the most important thing that students should know is that they aren’t alone.

“The best thing is there will be lots of people there to help you: teachers, friends, WEB leaders, and other staff,” Horton said. “It's going to be a fantastic day.”

Horton went on to explain that WEB stands for Where Everyone Belongs and is a student leadership club that helps him run Sixth-Grade Orientation. WEB leaders will also be planning “activities for the entire school to promote an inclusive community,” he added.

The Orientation presentation featuring Horton and WEB was just about to start. Yet Kalei Van Holmes, a member of WEB, had a moment to say she was thrilled to show all of the newbees their new Middle School.

“I hope we can make it fun for them,” Van Holmes said. “School isn’t always about being stern. It can also be fun.”

She wasn’t alone in her efforts. Staff and students combined were striving to make the new students feel welcome. 

In fact, moments later, Sixth-Grade math Teacher Dave Paumier called out to the students, “I like to have fun!” 

Paumier was making students (and staff) crack up by rolling around on a push-powered scooter while wearing a cowboy hat and sporting the nametag “Little Cowboy.”

Shortly after his greeting, a presentation commenced in which WEB leaders, students, and staff introduced themselves. Then, Teacher Chelsea Landry shared information about a popular elective class that she teaches, Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Students who attend the yearlong class must keep their grades up and demonstrate good citizenship. AVID students enjoy leadership opportunities and activities, such as visits from guest speakers, field trips to colleges, and even the chance to connect with students at a school in another country.

“We have Japanese pen pals,” said Katelyn Buchnoff, an AVID student and eighth-grader. “It’s really fun. We also go to a lot of colleges.”

But that’s not all that’s in store for sixth-graders. 

Algebra Teacher Amanda Kahle told students about Outdoor School, an opportunity for sixth-graders to camp and learn in a natural area.

“We want every sixth-grader to go; that’s the biggest piece of Outdoor School,” said Kahle, clarifying that there are scholarships available to students with financial need.

The Orientation lasted from 8 a.m. till noon, but sixth-grader Anna Escobar did not mind spending her time learning about the classes and activities at her new Middle School.

“I like how they’re telling us everything ahead of time, so we know,” Escobar said and smiled.

Other students also enjoyed the wave of information and the camaraderie because, as Reyes Betancourt noted, there are so many new things to get used to on the first day of Middle School. But because of the hard work of teachers and students at Sixth-Grade Orientation, students may find it a little less nerve-wracking and a lot more fun.

To share stories on the North Marion School District, email Communications Specialist Jillian Daley at jillian.daley@nmarion.k12.or.us.