MIDDLE SCHOOL

Jeb Blackerby '99 | Middle School Principal

As I reflect on the 2021-2022 school year, I can honestly say that it felt more “normal.” We were able to have more freedom as the coronavirus restrictions were lifted, and this meant more hands-on and group activities. In addition, field trips were reinstated, some of which had not happened in two years. With more normalcy came the opportunity to expand the Middle School course offerings, which only enriched our already strong curriculum.

Some of these enhancements came in the form of elective classes; such as Robotics and Coding, Character Education, Service and Leadership, and Speech and Debate. The Robotics and Coding class is all about coding and creating. Students learn Block Coding, HTML, CSS Code, and JavaScript Code, and then they progress into creating websites, animations, and virtual reality environments. One highlight is being able to write code for the Sphero Robots and watching them react and even dance to the rhythm of certain songs. Our Character Education class, which focuses on the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, was expanded to include all 5th and 6th graders. Our 7th and 8th graders were given the opportunity to participate in an extension of this class, which was called Service and Leadership. The focus of this class includes how to be a good leader, how to communicate effectively, how to set goals, how to empower individuals and teams, as well as, the importance of service to others. Being able to speak publicly is a valuable skill, and our 8th graders began developing this craft in their Speech and Debate class. Through oral presentations given in front of classmates and faculty members, students gain confidence as they hone their communication skills. studies in 5th grade to Ancient History, from geography in 6th grade to Medieval History, and from civics and economics in 7th grade to Modern History. By dividing the studies into different time periods, the students are able to explore factors like geographic impacts, cultural perspectives, economic trends, and various forms of government that have a lasting effect on our world.

Traditions are important at UMS-Wright, and the coronavirus pandemic caused some of our traditions like field trips to be put on hold. Fortunately, we were able to engage in some of these excursions during the 2021-2022 school year. Our 5th and 6th graders missed traveling to Montgomery, Alabama when they were in the 4th grade. We were able to take both classes to Montgomery, and they were able to experience our State Capitol, the Planetarium, Rosa Parks Museum, and Old Alabama Town. In the fall, our 8th graders went to Camp Grace where they built furniture as their service project. The items were sold, and all of the proceeds helped two local charities, Camp Rap-a-Hope and UCP/ Camp Smile. In the spring, our 7th grade class embarked on a 3-day, 2-night trip to the Marine Science Adventures in Gulf Shores, Alabama. The students learned about several different ecosystems, various forms of marine life, and the importance of keeping our beaches clean and nature preservation in a wildlife refuge. All of these trips were educational, but they also allowed the students to bond with their classmates and to be able to see their teachers outside of the classrooms.

Each year, we focus on our mission to “educate students to their highest potential in mind, body and spirit and to produce in each student character of the highest possible order.” By enriching our curriculum and taking learning opportunities beyond our gates, our middle school students continue to fulfill our mission by creating memories and building life-long relationships.

“ROBOTICS CLASS LETS US HAVE FUN EXPERIMENTING WITH THE ROBOTS AND SOLVE VARIOUS CHALLENGES.” - ALLEN MOORE (8TH GRADE STUDENT)

Technology occupies an important place within students’ lives. UMS-Wright has embraced the technological changes and has recognized the need for a Robotics program for Middle and Upper School. This year we added a Robotics & Coding 1 Course to the Middle School course selection and we plan to develop this area of study in the next few years.

Starting with the 2022-23 school year, we will expand the robotics curriculum and add a level 2 course for Middle School as well as offer a new robotics course for the Upper School. In addition to the new course selections, we have created two new Robotics clubs: one for Middle School students and the other for Upper School students. Most recently, both of the clubs participated in the Regional SeaPerch ROV Competition where the Upper School Robotics Club placed third. We are looking forward to participating in more Robotics competitions in the 2022-23 school year.

Through robotics, students can learn more than just how to code. They can learn skills in leadership, community involvement, communicating across different technology platforms, finding their passions, and teamwork which will position them for success well beyond their school years. This is what we strive to achieve at UMS-Wright Preparatory School, and we are excited for the upcoming growth in the Robotics area of study.