Villagers in Middle School

 
Village students are amazing as we all know and get to witness every day. Village Voice decided to check in with some of our recent grads to see how they are enjoying their new surroundings.

We watch our graduates matriculate at several different schools with varying populations, program opportunities, and educational styles. Through the responses we’ve gathered from these accomplished and enthusiastic students one may gather that things are looking bright for our students no matter where they’ve gone!

Maya

Where do you go to school now?
Campbell Middle School (6th grade)

What was your biggest worry in starting you current school?
I was worried that I was going to meet people that would bully me.

I no longer have this worry because I’ve learned how to deal with it. I either ignore them, walk away, or tell them to stop. It is important to stand up for myself, especially if they are giving me a lot of “sass.”  I usually ask them to stop. If they refuse to stop, then I walk away. If I’m in a situation where I can’t walk away, then I ignore them.

What do you like the most about your new school?
I like the variety of different personalities that I can hang out with.

What did you learn from Village that helped you where you are now?
All of my “smarts!”  Village taught me A LOT. Math. Science. I feel REALLY prepared and I know I am getting better grades than most people.

What words of encouragement would you like to share with future Village graduates?
Be yourself.  And if others cannot accept that, then focus on being an AMAZING person.

Anything else about how you are doing?
Walden West in 5th grade was a big help to me. I grew a lot through that experience and I learned a lot. Science is currently my best grade (105% or A+).  I feel like I really understand science and I am super excited to go back to Walden West in February with my sixth grade class.

Rachel

Where do you go to school now?
Discovery Charter School

What was your biggest worry in starting you current school?
That I would not make any friends

What do you like the most about your new school?
There is a lot more freedom there and it really feels like a middle school.

What did you learn from Village that helped you where you are now?
I learned a lot about how to deal with bullies, to be who you are no matter what, and got introduced to reports which is good because boy, do we do those!

What words of encouragement would you like to share with future Village graduates?
Probably that at first it will be really hard to say goodbye to your old friends and village, but sort of go with the flow. You can always see your old friends and although the first day might be hard, you will get through it as long as you go through being that confident you!

Anything else about how you are doing?
Middle school is AWESOME and I plan to make this year the best ever!

Anthony

Where do you go to school now?
Discovery Charter School 1 (Dcs1)

What was your biggest worry in starting you current school?
Making friends

What do you like the most about your new school?
It’s the same as village

What did you learn from Village that helped you where you are now?
Social skills

What words of encouragement would you like to share with future Village graduates?
You can do it! Don’t be afraid! You will make new friends!

Anything else about how you are doing?
NA

Sydney

Where do you go to school now?
Discovery Charter School 1

What was your biggest worry in starting you current school?
Balancing more homework with fun, family and friends.

What do you like the most about your new school?
This is so hard! I would say, the awesome teachers and the understanding people.

What did you learn from Village that helped you where you are now?
I don’t know! I have learned so many great things from Village.

What words of encouragement would you like to share with future Village graduates?
Always make sure to plan in advance, or projects, homework, and play dates, and make sure they line up and work.

Anything else about how you are doing?
I am doing great! My transition was really easy and awesome, because people are really welcoming!

Colin

Where do you go to school now?
I go to Monroe Middle School.

What was your biggest worry in starting you current school?
At first I was worried about how big Monroe was and how the teachers would be. I adjusted quickly to the size of Monroe and all of my teachers have been awesome.

What do you like the most about your new school?
I really like my Social Studies and English Language Arts teacher, Mr. Roe. He is also my cross country coach. He makes learning fun and challenging. All of my teachers have been really great. It is also really easy to solve problems at Monroe. The staff is easy to go to and very helpful.

What did you learn from Village that helped you where you are now?
Village gave me ideas for how to solve problems. I also feel like Village helped me learn how to make friends which now helps me in a large school where it’s important not to be shy. I learned how to be an advocate for myself at Village which helps me talk to my teachers about my grades and anything I need help with.

What would words of encouragement would you like to share with future Village graduates?
When you go go middle school, it’s okay to be nervous but you will be okay. Try new things in middle school, like sports, band, drama, etc. Run cross country! You might find something new that you like and make new friends.

Elise

Where do you go to school now?
West Valley Middle School

What was your biggest worry in starting you current school?
I was most worried that I would not make friends when I went to middle school. Also, I was nervous that my food allergies would cause a disruption in my social life.

What do you like the most about your new school?
My favorite part of school is the people. The teachers are amazing and are always willing to help. My friends are super kind and understanding. The whole grade is just super fun to be with.

What did you learn from Village that helped you where you are now?
Village helped me learn how to write research papers, give presentations and do science fair projects. The skill I have used the most is the writing and note taking. From papers to study questions, I use that a lot. Science fair has not gone away, but my work has improved, thanks to Village.

What would words of encouragement would you like to share with future Village graduates?
The most important thing to know going into middle school is that you are NOT the only new kid. A lot of people join middle school in 6th grade. I would recommend joining a sports team in 6th grade to meet other kids with similar interests. Just be yourself and relax and do not stress all summer over nothing because middle school is not as hard as it seems.

Anything else about how you are doing?
My favorite class is science class. Also, our basketball team is undefeated in back to back seasons and that is fun! Village prepared me well.