A DAY I N T H E L I F E M I D D L E S C H O O L
O F. . .
By Andrea Canfield
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tudents in each St. Margaret’s division have access to important campus resources, such as the Library’s 21st Century Learning Lab. They use shared spaces that bring the campus community together, such as the Chapel and Sillers Hall. Yet each division has a distinct culture that revolves around the academic and social needs of its students. Headmaster Marcus D. Hurlbut, Academic Dean Dr. Regina McDuffie, Middle School Principal Jeannine Clarke and Assistant Principal Michael Allison together create and maintain a Middle School atmosphere that supports leadership, athletics, visual and performing arts, community service and academic enrichment for the approximately 300 students in the Middle School.
Middle School students develop positive traits both on-campus and off-campus with the support of their administrators, teachers and peers. Mr. Allison is in the position to witness these positive interactions daily. He relates, “One of my proudest moments came three years ago—these students are now juniors in the Upper School—when I went on the grade 8 trip to Washington, D.C. I can’t tell you how many times people came up to me to tell me how impressed they were with all aspects of our students. A former military general, our airline attendant, strangers on the street . . . they all were amazed by the behavior and decorum of our eighth-graders, as they saw in them the great traits that we see every day.”
8:55 a.m. Wednesday
> > 7:45 a.m. Monday–Thursday Instruction begins. Students follow the Middle School block schedule and report directly to their classes. Each day’s schedule is different, and students share responsibility for being in the right class on time. Fridays, instruction begins at 8:40 a.m., allowing time for faculty and staff development 7:30–8:30. 16
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Advisory. Students meet in small groups with their assigned advisory leader, a teacher or administrator who will be available for their advisees throughout their Middle School years.
9:15 a.m. Monday Convocation. In this student-led gathering, faculty raise their hands to make announcements, as the Student Council keeps the meeting moving and the students informed about club activities and other weekly happenings.
Principal Clarke and Assistant Principal Allison agree that the greatest reward for Middle School teachers and administrators is the satisfaction that comes from being with a great group of students day in and day out. “They are fun, spirited and a joy to be around. We really get to know them, and when they are promoted from eighth grade, we have a sense of pride and satisfaction in who they have become, and who they will be as they enter high school. Then, four years later, it is amazing to see those past Middle School kids cross over that stage on Gateway Field, on a beautiful June day, to receive their St. Margaret’s Upper School diplomas,” she said.
Lockers. The quintessential Middle School experience revolves around social maturation. Forming and testing social bonds can be a challenging part of growing up. Assistant Principal Allison says, “Managing that pull and encouraging kids to hold firm to their family values and traditions is important at this transitional age.”
Chapel. Increased freedom and opportunity for student leadership. Principal Jeannine Clarke believes that one of the greatest challenges for new Middle School students is “adjusting to the increased freedoms and responsibilities that come along with moving up from the Lower School.” Students are excited about their new opportunities, ranging from selecting a language and perhaps studying in the Upper School, to starting their own club, or being a student leader in Chapel or Convocation.
10:30 a.m. Friday Activities. Recent activities included the Science Fair, a performance of Macbeth, and a dodgeball tournament.
9:45 a.m. Thursday
11:20 a.m. Tuesday
Chapel. In 2010, a special student-led Chapel service allowed students to perform in leadership roles in the Church in addition to their classrooms and clubs.
Music. Students participate in choir, band or orchestra classes.
summer 2010
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Performing Arts. In the fall, the Middle School performed the musical Once on this Island. Other opportunities for artistic expression include vocal, instrumental and dance performances.
Lunchtime. A casual time to run, play and talk with friends is an important part of the Middle School social life.
Athletics. Almost all Middle School students play a sport. Middle School Athletic Coordinator Lori Fava leads a program that helps students continue their development from the Middle School through the Upper School.
Clubs. Middle School Director of Community Service and Activities Amanda Hudson supports students as they form groups to provide community service, learn photography, read books, act as Admission Ambassadors and more. The scope of clubs is as broad as the interests of Middle School students. Creative arts. Middle School students receive instruction in the visual arts and the elements of composition. Lessons range from free-style self-expression to technical exercises, in media including paint, pastels, pencil drawing, clay and ceramics.
12:00 p.m. Monday
2 p.m. Monday
Lunch. Students enjoy PTF hot lunch or a lunch they have brought from home and time for socializing with each other. The fields are open for impromptu sports, and teachers gather at the tables to share lunchtime with Middle Schoolers.
Physical Education. Students have athletics or dance instruction during the day, allowing more time for homework in the evenings than after-school athletics programs.
12:40 p.m. Monday Languages. St. Margaret’s offers instruction in five languages: Spanish, Latin, Japanese, French and Chinese.
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