Middle School Philosophy
The philosophy of the 6-8 Division derives from an understanding of
the unique and varied social, emotional, intellectual,
creative, and physical needs of the young adolescent. We continue to
honor the whole child and work to facilitate the
transformation of each individual as he or she travels the complex path
to young adulthood. Our young students are
rapidly changing physically, socially, and emotionally, and are developing
an awareness of personal destiny and identity
formation. This SCDS program builds upon the strong foundation of academic,
creative, and cognitive support experienced
at earlier levels.
Aspects of social-emotional development in young adolescents
include increasing social understanding, assertion of
autonomy, reliance on peers, sexuality, and the evaluation of previously
accepted beliefs and values. Our group of capable
and caring teachers provides a great deal of support in a time which
may find students feeling confused by changing
bodies and needing guidance in coping with friendship issues. The mercurial
nature of a middle school student’s stage
of development requires a fluid but structured atmosphere that provides
security and firm limits, yet is sufficiently elastic
to permit productive exploration of his/her place within the social fabric
of the school. We care deeply about the social
and emotional well being of each child, and at weekly team meetings we
work to strengthen our efforts to address students’ needs.
The middle school student is rapidly developing both intellectually
and creatively, and is eager to dig deep into challenging
and intriguing subject matter. Our objective is to offer powerful,
inquiry-based learning experiences, often incorporating
individual choices, in which they can learn at the high, rigorous level
they desire. We create an environment in
which all children are expected and encouraged to explore, develop,
test, and apply ideas, as well as construct knowledge
of their own. Students acquire solid underpinnings of basic skills
and study strategies to help them fully investigate the
complex learning they undertake. Homework at this level occupies one
and one-half to two hours a day, and ranges from
practice of new skills to independent work on projects.
The 6-8 Division provides preparation for making intelligent
and healthful adult life choices. The program recognizes the
idealism and desire to help others common to our students. Through
community service and outreach projects, students
have an opportunity to make contributions and to perceive themselves,
even at a young age, as school, local, national,
and world citizens. We pair groups of our students with the youngest
grades in the school, in order to facilitate a variety
of service and shared learning opportunities. Many of our students
have strong leadership abilities that find expression
in class discussions, group projects, and also in the Student Services
Committee, which organizes additional community
service projects and sponsors activities. Class trips of three to
ten days offer opportunities for deepening friendships and
mutual understanding, as well as the study of geology, marine biology,
archeology, and outdoor activities such as kayaking,
hiking, and ropes courses. We encourage the growth of independence
and personal responsibility at all times.
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subject:
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