Many changes are coming to the Auburn-Washburn School District next year, with a big one being the arrival of sixth graders in middle school. Some people think sixth graders aren’t ready for middle school, but we think they are. Sixth graders are coming to fill the space between the new and old middle schools.
WRMS Head Principal, Mr. Haire, said that students will be much more ready for college and their careers with a three-year middle school experience. “As we build students to be both college and career ready, having sixth graders move up to the middle school will only ensure further success. Having students who have a three-year middle school experience will allow for more exposure to various content and classes, and opportunities to grow as a middle schooler, and help prepare them for the next four years of high school.”
Dylan Flesher, a fifth grade student at Wanamaker Elementary, said attending middle school one year earlier would be cool. “I think it will be pretty cool. We get outside-the-room lockers, and the teachers will be pretty cool. Also, we get teams.” Dylan is also excited to make new friends and try the lunches in middle school.
Mr. Dillon, 8th grade teacher, loves the idea of sixth graders in middle school, and will have a sixth grader at school with him next year. “I have loved having my children at the same school. I think middle school will be good for sixth graders.” Mr. Dillion will also be staying as an eighth grade teacher.
Mrs. Schrader the seventh grade counselor, revealed who the sixth grade counselor will be. “Next year Mrs.Gloss will be the sixth grade counselor.” Schrader also addressed how any mental health concerns will be dealt with next year, “I think there will be a lot of training for the staff to understand the development of a sixth grader. It will be a huge transition for them (and their parents), so we will have a lot of things in place to help support them through the change. For example, all sixth grade students will be enrolled in a class like the current Skills for Adolescents class, where they will talk about things like staying organized and time management.” Schrader says she believes that 6th graders are ready for middle school.
Our staff and future students believe sixth graders should be at middle school because it will benefit them in the long run. Do you think sixth graders should be in middle school?
