Ridgefield Academy school counselor Michele Flowers provides tips on practicing self-care.
Minding THE MIDDLE
NAVIGATING IDENTITY AND CELEBRATING SUCCESS IN THE MIDDLE SCHOOL YEARS
The years that fall in the middle of a student’s academic journey from preschool to high school are sometimes referred to as “the forgotten middle”. Less attention has been paid to the importance of the upper elementary grades and middle school in recent years, according to the ACT. The middle school years, however, should not be overlooked: they play a key role in guiding preparation for high school and beyond.
The approach at Ridgefield Academy encourages the opposite: embracing individuality, rather than stifling it. Each student has the opportunity to take risks and meet new challenges, as well as to experience individual successes in areas where they feel comfortable and thrive.
“All of our collaborative work - teachers, coaches, and advisors - aims toward celebrating and recognizing each child’s individual strengths,” Howarth said. “We help them find the time and space to celebrate their own unique qualities.”
In middle school, it is just as important to celebrate success as it is in the younger years. For many students, middle school is often the first time school-related anxieties emerge. Students are adjusting to a different school environment and heavier workload, seeking to maintain positive peer relationships, and looking ahead to the upcoming transition to high school. At a time when confidence can be compromised, a strong support system that values each student and celebrates their successes is critical.
So, what should you look for when considering the options for your child’s middle school education?
- An environment that values individuality.
- A robust and diverse middle school program.
- A connected school community with opportunities for leadership.
- A high school placement process that commits to finding the right fit for each child.
An environment that values individuality.
A robust and diverse middle school program.
A connected school community with opportunities for leadership.
A high school placement process that commits to finding the right fit for each child.
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DISCOVER RA
Kindergarten is a critical year of learning, when children explore the world around them, discover what sparks their curiousity, and discover that learning can be joyful. Learn about how the foundation established in Ridgefield Academy's kindergarten classrooms prepares students for a lifetime of positive learning.
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