Middle School JoNell Becenti

from August 2019 Gallup Journey Magazine

Elementary Becca Hibbler

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Getting ready for middle school can be both exciting and terrifying: new surroundings, new teachers, new peers, and a lot of responsibility. Big changes come with each year of middle school; positives and negatives, or what is known as experience. These are very important years in an adolescent’s life, so these experiences, both positive and negative, can influence one’s future. These three years move very fast. Before you know it, you will be moving on to high school, so it is important to make these three years count. Another aspect middle school has to offer is opportunity; a chance to continue what you have already been a part of or step out of one’s comfort zone and try something new.

HERE I COME!

On day one, the first thing you will want to get your hands on, if you have not already done so, is your class schedule. After you have looked over your list of classes and teachers, you may want to find out where each class is located. Since you have probably taken five to ten minutes looking at your schedule, and ten minutes trying to locate and talk to friends you haven’t seen all summer, you then realize the first bell is about to ring. Do not worry, you will have at least four minutes between each passing period to locate your next class. If you get lost, just ask one of the friendly teachers that should be out in the halls directing students.

Throughout the day, you will get to meet up with seven new teachers, who will each be teaching different subjects. This may be a bit overwhelming for an incoming sixth grader, but by the end of

the first week, things should be going smoothly. Finding every class is the easy part; becoming familiar with so many teachers and the workload you will now be responsible for is the challenge.

Maintaining good grades should be every student’s number one priority. The emphasis on keeping grades up in middle school is important because if you plan on participating in sports or other extra-curricular activities, this is where eligibility plays a part. If you do not keep your grades up, you will not be able to play or be involved. Maintaining a high-grade point average does not have to be difficult or stressful. If students keep up with assignments and communicate with teachers when they need help, these school days should have more positive outcomes than negative.

One of the best aspects about middle school is a chance to play sports or belong to a club such as Student Council or National Junior Honor Society, just to name a few. Middle school offers a variety of sports and clubs where students can participate. Becoming involved is a great way to improve social skills, build on individual talents, or spend time with friends outside of the classroom. Be sure to find out from your administrators, teachers, or classmates what your middle school has to offer.

Probably the top characteristic about middle school is meeting new people and making new friends. You may walk into your third period class and begin to panic because you realize you do not know a single person in there. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and try to start a conversation. You never know, a new friendship could be in the making right at that moment. On the other hand, if you walk into your third period class and already know many people in there, why not strike up a conversation with the quiet, shy girl sitting alone or the boy who always sat alone at lunch last year. Take it upon yourself to sit and talk to new people and include them in your group. Once again, this could be a great new friendship in the making.

As the school year approaches, if you are going to be attending middle school for the first year or final year, do your best to make the most of your education. These three years can be filled with great opportunities and experiences. Try not to be nervous—be excited! Get to know your teachers, and work hard for them. Try out for a sport or join a club, and be sure to make some new friends.

JoNell Becenti U.S. History Teacher Chief Manuelito Middle School