Getting Ready for a Confident Transition to Middle School
Because the transition to middle school can be both exciting and daunting, we’ve put together a series of events to help our 4th-graders move with confidence into middle school at Creative Minds.
Teams from the Creative Minds Lower School and Middle School programs are working in tandem to give 4th-graders, and their families, the knowledge and experiences for a self-assured journey into 5th grade.
Lorna Dill, director of middle school, is delighted to welcome our 4th-grade students in the fall: “We are excitedly waiting for our new 5th-grade scholars to embark on a journey of learning with us using 21st-century skills!”
Transition Events
Town Hall for 4th Grade Students
Tuesday, February 4, 2020
8:45 a.m.–9:45 a.m.
Middle School Gym
At our Town Hall, students will be joined by middle school teachers and staff: Ms. Lynn, English-language-arts teacher; Mr. Musawwir, teacher of science; humanities teacher Mr. Mustafa Foda; Ms. Gabrielle Dreux, math teacher; and Ms. Val, behavioral coach. They’ll discuss the transition to 5th grade and the things that make middle school unique, such as the Student Council, departmentalized classes, and new extracurricular clubs and activities.
Families who can’t make the workshop on February 7 are welcome at the Town Hall.
A Day in the Life of a Middle-Schooler
Thursday, February 6, 2020
Each of our 4th-graders will shadow a 7th-grade scholar for the day, discovering firsthand what it’s like to be in middle school. This chance for 4th-graders to go from wondering to knowing what middle school might be like will also build community as older and younger students form relationships and practice their personal goals of inquiry, cooperation, and compassion.
Workshop for 3rd- and 4th-grade Families
Friday, February 7, 2020
9:15 a.m.–10:15 a.m.
Middle School Gym
Chuck Jackson, executive director, and Nayamka Long, chief academic officer will join our workshop to welcome families and speak about the importance of families’ thoughtful consideration in choosing to continue their educational journey at CMI.
Lorna Dill, director of middle school, will share how she and her teachers are preparing to welcome our next class of 5th-graders and discuss the growth and learning that are happening in our competitive middle school program.
We’re pleased that Creative Minds parent Josh Vergow will also join us to talk about why he’s excited for his child to continue at Creative Minds as a middle school scholar.
About the collaboration that is ushering our 4th-graders into a new phase of their academic careers, Abby Sheffer, director of lower school, says, “Lorna and I are working closely together to bridge the school culture and student experience in the lower school and middle school. We’re so excited to see our students thrive in 5th grade and beyond!”