At MICDS, becoming a fifth grader not only means moving up in grade level, but it also is the milestone moment of advancing to the first year of Middle School. To help Rams with this transition in their academic careers, fourth graders get to experience what we call a “Taste of Fifth Grade.” This multi-day program includes visits to a variety of fifth-grade classes, a tour of the Middle School, and a special Q-and-A session to get all of those burning questions about Middle School answered. This is the second year that this experience has been provided for students.
“‘Taste of Fifth Grade’ is all about building excitement for the transition to Middle School!” exclaims Amy Scheer, Head of Lower School. “It’s a chance for students to see how their hard work in Beasley has prepared them for the adventures ahead, so they head into summer feeling confident, curious, and ready for what’s next.”
Classroom Visits
This year, the “Taste of Fifth Grade” was held over Friday, May 9, and Monday, May 12. First, small groups of fourth graders attended at least two classes in the subjects of history, science, math, Spanish, and English. They observed the classes taking place and often got to participate. For example, in Spanish, they learned how to play “Piedra, Papel, Tijeras” (Rock, Paper, Scissors) which they did with the current fifth graders. In math, they worked on equivalent ratios while in English, they watched a student deliver a presentation. Being a fly on the wall in a future class they might take helped give the senior Lower Schoolers an idea of what daily classes and their teachers might be like at the next level.
Tours of the Middle School
On Friday afternoon, the three fourth-grade classes were guided on a tour of the Danforth Middle School. Led by Susan Taylor-Alonso, Middle School Learning Specialist, Christine Mayer, Fifth-Grade Dean & Spanish Teacher, and Kristina Jones, Middle School Math Teacher, students visited the following locations:
- Tech/Help Desk
- Choir Room
- Nurse’s Office
- MAC/Squash Courts
- Classrooms in Shoenberg
- Chapel and Band in back of chapel
- Middle School Office
- Counselor & Learning Specialist Offices
- Library
- Freeman
- Courtyard
- Science Room/Makerspace
- Cafeteria
Lunch and Q-and-A
On Monday, after visiting classes in the morning, fourth graders got a literal taste of fifth grade by eating in the Middle School Dining Hall. Then, in the afternoon, a question-and-answer session was held. To a panel of fifth graders, fourth-grade students asked about lunches, the schedule, recess, and so much more. They also heard about a lot of the fun they have to look forward to as they move up in grade level.
“Visiting the Middle School is an incredibly valuable experience for the fourth-grade students,” adds Ms. Mayer. “It gives them a chance to walk the halls during an actual school day, see the classrooms, meet some of the teachers, get a glimpse of what an actual class is like, and ask questions. Having lunch in the middle school cafeteria helps ease nerves and build excitement. These visits allow the fourth graders to see that the Middle School is not something to fear, but something to look forward to.” Through the “Taste of Fifth Grade,” we hope that these Rams feel even more confident in making the transition from fourth grade and Lower School to fifth grade and Middle School next fall! Let’s go Rams!