Princeton NJ Schools Snapshots

Steve Hancock
Head of Middle School
Princeton Day School

THE MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS

Even the words “the middle school years” can evoke fear in the most confident of adults. My own experience in middle school (or junior high school as it was known 30 years ago) was less than stellar. The fear I felt in the hallways and the anonymity of a large school made me feel alone, timid and unsure. When asked to recall life in middle school, most adults turn to words such as awkward, lonely, and difficult. Many fondly remember the nurturing atmosphere of their lower school and the depth of studies in upper school. However, what about the all important middle school years? My family is convinced that I became a middle school Principal to combat the injustices and social cruelty that I felt as an awkward 13 year-old.

Middle school is a time when students have many “firsts.” As a middle schooler, students will often write their first essay, begin their formal study of a language, and learn the elements of research. Additionally, students begin to study Algebra which will provide a foundation in math throughout their upper school experience. But there is more to the middle school years than the academic subjects that are taught. Our bodies begin to grow in many ways. For many, the start of puberty becomes a reality. Relationships begin to develop in new and exciting ways. Children begin to have a strong need for independence from their parents who must learn to hold them tight and give them space all at the same time.

I believe that schools that have a strong academic curriculum, gifted faculty, and supportive parents will not see solid growth in their children without a strong culture in the middle school. This culture is not easy to create and the message must be embraced by all involved. I believe schools that create an environment where children feel safe, valued, celebrated and known will experience the greatest success. Together, let’s explore each of these traits of a strong school.

SAFE

Students need to feel they can be themselves at school. We need to create an environment where students do not worry about the reaction or retribution of classmates. Additionally, a great middle school allows the opportunity for students to make mistakes and then learn from those mistakes in a non-threatening way. Even though it is difficult for parents to watch their children stumble, as parents we must allow the mistakes to happen in a caring and safe environment.

VALUED

A child’s contribution to the school community must be valued by the teachers and administrators. When a child feels respected their tendency is to become more involved in activities in and outside the classroom. Students need to know that their opinion matters. The classroom environment needs to be set-up in a way in which every student has a voice and every voice is valued. Teachers who model this behavior in their classrooms give a wonderful gift to their students.

Students begin to feel empowered and tend to stretch their intellectual muscle. When children feel discouraged or even unworthy of participating in class that child will not reach their full potential and the pain of this experience will last for many years.

CELEBRATED

The accomplishments of students need to be celebrated in the school community. This recognition can take many forms and will often begin through a strong advisory system. Teachers who serve as advisors have the opportunity to acknowledge their students in many different ways. Private notes, public assemblies, and formal announcements are some of the formats in which we celebrate student accomplishments at Princeton Day School on a daily basis. Parents need to feel comfortable enough with the school to inform advisors, teachers, and administrators regarding the successes of their children. When a child is celebrated in an appropriate way, they feel an even greater sense of accomplishment from their dedication and hard work.

KNOWN

Middle school can be a lonely time. Children need to be known by more than just their name. As a faculty, we strive to work to understand our students in and outside the classroom. A solid advisory program works to help students know each other and for the teacher to find those special moments to praise and encourage. When teachers begin to know their students beyond the surface a relationship will develop. We can all remember a relationship with a special teacher. As the relationship deepens, teachers can help the student reach new depths in their studies by encouraging in meaningful ways.

I encourage you to visit Princeton Day School where you will see energetic hallways where students create a buzz of excitement as they pass from class to class. You will experience faculty interacting with students in academic, social and emotional pursuits. As you look in classrooms, you will witness students interacting with each other and a learning environment that is set-up for success. Finally, you will find happy students who enjoy learning from their teachers and interacting with their friends. The faculty is constantly working together to create an environment where students feel safe, valued, celebrated and known.