The 2022-2023 school year is off to an energizing start in the Middle School!
In years past Middle Schoolers typically ended their day by attending various sports and clubs. This element was put on pause when Covid began and schedules had to change to accommodate the new climate. Excitingly, the current school year will be the beginning of the Middle School Enrichment Program. The program came about due to the efforts of students. Students wanted something akin to clubs to return to their school day. As well, there had been many students who missed and therefore asked for community service opportunities to begin again.
A couple weeks ago students in grades 6-8 had the opportunity to explore all of the different classes offered, during the Enrichment Fair. Shortly after which, the 5th grade had their own Enrichment Fair. The energy in the air each day was electric as students ran throughout the hallways going from class to class, listening to their teachers express what program they will be leading. As Ben Gott expresses, this is an opportunity for students to “discover things they might love to do” and teachers “the opportunity to lead with what they’re passionate about”.
The programs offered are a representation of the interests, cultures, and backgrounds of the faculty. The time spent in the Enrichment classes will provide a deviation from the typical school day. Students will be able to take classes addressing an area that is of great interest to them. It’s a time dedicated to exploring, building and opening up new worlds of possibilities.
As humans, we learn best when we are joyful, when we are intrinsically motivated to be an active participant in the thing we are working on and towards. The Middle School Enrichment Program is a chance to learn and lead with joy.