Fall Book Announced

Our principals are not just divisional leaders; they’re coaches too.

They coach our students and our parents and guardians to be their best selves. They are truly partners with home and church to work toward every student embodying the love of Jesus as a learning community where every student belongs, thrives, and joins God’s work in that world. That is our hope for school life… but also for home and church life, too.

Recently, our middle school principal, Erika Gascho, wrote an email to parents about developmental norms in middle school and not only what to expect, but how to navigate some of the tricky moments and support our students while having a realistic understanding of what they’re (and we’re) working with…

“Our students are growing so rapidly that it can be hard to keep up.  I have found these developmental charts to be helpful.  I also want to be sensitive to the fact that each child is unique and has their own stages of development.  Here is a closer look at each grade level: 6th grade, 7th grade, 8th grade.” – Ms. Gascho

Another example of this kind of coaching includes book learning too. For the last two years, our community has been recommending a trimester book that supports parents and guardians; this initiative has been helpful for both admins and caregivers to have conversations about everything from restorative practices, achievement culture, technology use, and everything in between. This fall, we are highlighting Middle School Matters by Phyllis L. Fagell.

“I read it last year and found it to be helpful!  Later in the fall, we will have an optional get-together to discuss the book and connect as parents.  If you can’t attend the get-together, you can still read the book, and if you don’t have time to read the book, but want to come to the get-together, that is also okay!” – Ms. Gascho

Quotes from our fall Fireplace Book Club pick: Middle School Matters

“While kids make a big leap from sixth grade to eighth grade, there’s no such thing as an average middle schooler.  There can be vast differences even among students in the same grade.” (p. 12)

“Don’t jump into solving every dilemma but debrief with your child once they’ve tried…Model flexibility in your own thinking.” (p. 15)

“Start from a place of trust but expect mistakes.  Be consistent and make sure your child understands that trust and freedom are earned, and that their actions have natural and logical consequences.” (p. 18)

Whether you’re a middle school guardian or not, we’d love for you to think about your students’ growth and join us in bringing science-based energy to the table. We believe that education in the Eastern Mennonite tradition is about nurturing both the mind and the heart, so let’s work together to meet students where they are!

Thank you for your leadership, Ms. Gascho!