As many as 150 rising sixth-graders from East Union got a head start on the new school year by attending middle school transition camps at Monroe and East Union middle schools . The camps provided the students with an opportunity to meet their classmates and learn more about what is expected of them as they prepare to enter middle school .
“ It frontloads them with information about coming to middle school from the elementary school so they can feel confident ,” said Monroe Middle Assistant Principal Kim Houser , adding that this is the first time the school district has hosted middle school transition camps . “ We also do some teambuilding activities so they can get to know each other and build relationships before they start school .”
At Monroe Middle , more than 60 students spent the week learning
Back to School : Middle school transition camps set students up for success
about coding with Waxhaw Kid Coders , learning about what is expected of them in middle school and participating in team activities at XTreme Challenge in Monroe . As part of the new Health Sciences Academy partnership with Carolinas HealthCare System , the students also visited the hospital to talk with doctors and look at medical equipment .
Monroe Middle student Kevin Capote said that while he ’ s a little nervous to go to middle school , having the opportunity to meet new friends and teachers in the summer camp will make his transition much easier .
“ All kids should go to this camp because you get to learn new things and meet new people . And the more time you spend with them , the more you know them and the more they
know you ,” he said . “ And the camp helps you go to middle school more comfortable and confident .”
At East Union Middle , as many as 87 rising sixth-grade students also participated in activities that included creating vessels , doing cheek cell DNA extractions , participating in science and technology-related activities , and talking with a representative from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center .
Rising sixth-grade student Brook Scearce , who was previously homeschooled , said she enjoyed coming to the camp and meeting new friends before classes began .
“ We ’ ve done some CSI and detective stuff , and I like science so it ’ s been really cool . It ’ s so much fun learning here ,” Brook said .
East Union Middle teacher Dr . Danyah Hill said her goal for the camps was to help alleviate some of the anxiety students may have about coming to a new environment .
“ We wanted to bring them here earlier before the older students are on campus to help familiarize them with the school , rules and procedures ,” she said . “ We selected activities that were fun , engaging , and encouraged students to collaborate and share their ideas with each other .” — This article was provided by the Union County Public Schools Communications Office .
At East Union Middle , as many as 87 rising sixth-grade students also participated in activities that included creating vessels , doing cheek cell DNA extractions , participating in science and technology-related activities , and talking with a representative from the North Carolina Biotechnology Center .
At Monroe Middle , more than 60 students spent the week learning about coding with Waxhaw Kid Coders and participating in team activities at XTreme Challenge in Monroe . As part of the new Health Sciences Academy partnership with Carolinas HealthCare System , the students also visited the hospital to talk with doctors and look at medical equipment .
4 • Sept / Oct 2017 • Parent Teacher Magazine