“Wild about Middle School” — That’s the way rising sixth-and seventh-grade students felt as they left the first ever “Camp Middle School” held Wednesday and Thursday this week at HCMS. Students were greeted with colorful balloons and banners welcoming them to their new school. This transition time can be incredibly awesome, totally annoying, or just plain scary to many students. For that reason the administrative staff planned and implemented Camp Middle School.
Students were welcomed by associate principal Marliss Barczak and quickly got in the swing of things by learning the middle school cheer. Principal Gail Bosiger read them the book The Brand New Kid by UVA graduate and CBS news anchor Katie Couric. Mrs. Bosiger reminded the students that they would all be “new kids” in August and that it was really important for them to help each other here at school. Jeff Davis, assistant principal, discussed behavior standards and gave warnings. While Michael Lewis, administrative assistant, discussed study habits. W. J. Long, seventh-grade math teacher, worked with students on a short lesson about percentages. Correct answers were rewarded with a coupon good at a fast-food restaurant.
The guidance department also presented short messages of interest. Gloria Wilson spoke about special areas in the school, the new cell phone policy was discussed by Barbara Womack, and the dress code was demonstrated by Michelle Weddle. After introductions, students went off to meet new friends during balloon activities, playing Bingo, and building the tallest building. Prizes were awarded to winners. The students then spent time touring their new school while learning the in’s and out’s of middle school life.
Students, teachers, and guests were served pizza, snacks, and a cool drink while Mrs. Barczak called out door prize numbers. Students then received a gift bag full of treats to carry home as a reminder of the exciting morning. The middle school would like to thank each local business for donating prizes and the PTO for covering the cost of the event.
Many students sent the middle school letters thanking them for the experience. Here are a few of them.
“Being at the Camp Middle School gave me the opportunity to make new friends. I enjoyed all the fun activities.”
“The Scavenger Hunt was awesome!”
“At the beginning, I was sleepy, but the balloon games woke me up.”
“We all stuck together like a team.”
“I got to meet a lot of new people.”
“It was fun going all around the school.”
Sometimes it takes courage to make a change, but Camp Middle School made great strides in giving the students a dose of courage to carry them through until the beginning of their new school year.