Welcome To Middle School: The Norman Family’s Story

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The Normans joined the MGCS family this year.  We asked this middle school family to share their thoughts about transitioning to MGCS in 6th and 8th grade.  Here are the 5 words they used to describe their experience:

WELCOMING

That was the first word both Eliza and Joshua used to describe their transition to MGCS.  My kids are not “touchy-feely” and this is not a word they use lightly.  Our daughter, entering 8th grade, did not expect much from her MGCS peers, many of whom had attended MGCS since preschool.  Eliza assumed she would be left out or ignored but found herself warmly welcomed.   “I expected to be ostracized but being new made me special.  Everyone seemed really interested in getting to know me.”

PERSONABLE

Is how we would describe the teachers and staff.  It is easy to take this for granted but it is just not the case at every school.   Joshua and Eliza’s teachers are genuinely interested in them as people.  At parent conferences, their teachers express interest about Eliza’s and Joshua’s social and spiritual development.  Teachers communicate regularly and respond promptly.  They seem really happy to be at MGCS and share students’ excitement about school events…even casual days.  We love that so many emails to families conclude with phrases like, “We can’t wait to see you!”

SAFE

Discipline problems are addressed, not ignored.  Teachers stay involved with kids during the day.  They know what is going on and are ready to deal with conflicts when they come up.

ENGAGING

Our son Joshua, like most boys, is active and needs to be challenged.  He appreciates the variety in his weekly schedule, the diversity of learning experiences, and the electives that play to his interests and engage him in the learning process.

BALANCED

MGCS strives for balance.  Middle School students are given personal responsibility but parents are kept in the loop too.  Students enjoy traditional school experiences like dances and athletics but these are executed in a way consistent with the MGCS Biblical Worldview Statement.   There are clear rules and high standards but these are enforced with grace and compassion.