The Last Word: Who We Were in 7th Grade

THE LAST WORD

Who We Were in 7th Grade

As I worked with Vicki King and Lynn Miller putting the final touches on this issue of the Prep magazine and in rereading all of the articles, several overarching themes jumped out at me: the value of education, the importance of experiences, and how early events have the potential to shape the rest of our lives.

Two of our contributors in this issue mentioned how their time in the 7th grade largely influenced and helped guide them towards their future careers.

Dr. Emily Moses, our new Director of Instructional Technology talked about how joining her school’s technology student association in the 7th grade, and it’s ensuing creed, became a mantra over her next years of school. She didn’t understand, then, how that involvement would help her realize her passion for technology. But as she said, “I guess I spoke my destiny into existence because technology education’s importance is my daily reality.”

Dr. Ebony Lumumba had this to say during our interview about Eudora Welty: “I discovered her [Welty] in the 7th grade reading ‘Why I Live at the PO’ and then I heard her read it in her own voice from a record that my English teacher had, and I was struck at that point...at twelve years old…and I haven’t turned back from studying her work since.”

The 7th grade is Prep’s largest entry point, and there is no more pivotal time to engage with a student than at this age. They are open and excited about learning. They have enthusiasm for exploration and creative thought. They bring a quick agile mind to the table that is still alert and impressionable.

Jackson Prep understood this when it implemented forward thinking in its renovation of the Junior High and had the foresight to see that collaboration, flexibility and atmosphere are crucial components in how today’s students learn and grow.

Our Head of Junior High, Reta Haire, knew how vital this grade was when she asked Prep’s MAIS Junior High Teacher of the Year, Lee Waits, to move into teaching all 7th grade math classes. Reta described Lee as an “investor.” She understands how this time in a student’s life truly matters.

And Lee knows this firsthand as she says, “I feel like 7th grade is a huge jumping off point for every student. It is the foundation. This is the year when most become independent of an elementary school and mom and dad. Every year my students have to learn how to navigate more freedom which gives them the space to realize their strengths and weaknesses. This independence helps them figure out what they really enjoy and helps them discover where they are talented.”

There is a huge difference between receiving a good education and receiving a GREAT education. For that to happen there must be thought, ability, creativity and vision.

Jackson Prep strives for excellence in all aspects. While we are fortunate to have second to none facilities and state of the art classrooms and technology, we never forget that our primary goal is to educate people and educate them well. What we are engaged in today will have profound effects on their lives and there is no more exciting or important place to be!

When Nobel Prize winner Malala Yousafzai was 16 years old, she made a speech before the United Nations wherein she said: “Let us remember. One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.”

BY NORMA COX

Director of Library Services

Emily Moses

Lee Waits

Ebony Lumumba

Norma Cox

3100 Lakeland Drive Flowood, MS 39232

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