Demonstrating their emphasis on personalization and preparedness, middle school staff led sixth grade students in a series of workshops and activities designed to ease the transition into middle school. The two-day agenda was packed with everything from an introduction to middle school culture and values to building solid foundations for new friendships and working relationships with advisors. All efforts are designed to increase both skills and confidence in this new setting.
Students were introduced to the NCS student-led conferences, which resulted in a better understanding of their personal learning styles and subsequent self-management techniques. This insight arms students to become more autonomous and responsible for their individual learning – a characteristic of Norfolk Collegiate graduates.
Rounding out the orientation was the traditional sixth grade bowling trip, which nears the top of the list of favorite middle school experiences. “It’s a great bonding experience for the entire class of 2018,” says Roz Klein, head of the middle school. “So many lifelong friendships are formed at Norfolk Collegiate and we love to witness that beginning during our bowling trip – for new and returning students alike.”
“To call this simply an orientation does not fully reflect the value woven into this process,” says Headmaster Scott Kennedy. “The middle school invests heavily in understanding this stage of adolescence and, through a close relationship with parents, helps balance guidance and the growing need for independence while encouraging healthy relationships.”