Middle Division Update

by Fran Yellen, Middle Division Administrator and Afterschool Coordinator

The weather has been incredibly unpredictable this winter but one thing’s for certain, it is always busy at the middle school. We got back into the swing of things pretty quickly after returning from Winter Break, especially in the arts department. The sixth grade is making papier mâché bird sculptures. The seventh grade woodworking classes are finishing up their carved wooden spoons and have begun work on wooden automatons. The seventh grade art classes have been painting. Eighth grade students are choosing art forms they want to explore in new electives, including drawing, woodworking, animation and dancing.

The middle school is also “alive with the sound of music,” as our Winter Music Night was a great success! Performances by 7th & 8th grade bands, the 8th grade music elective, the middle school chorus and the orchestra chamber chorus all rocked the house (aka our gymnasium). It was a wonderful showcase for their talent and hard work.

Practice for the middle school play is in full swing. You can hear the beautiful voices of our students, along with African drumming, as students rehearse for the The Lion King. The entire cast and crew will be taking a trip to Broadway to see the Disney production of the show at the Minskoff Theater next month. Everyone is so excited and we are sure it will delight and inspire the group!

In a few weeks the 8th grade students will be traveling to Costa Rica for a Spanish language immersion program. This is our 10th year taking this journey and is always a highlight for our students. Stay tuned for pictures and more when we return!