Interview with a Middle School Student

I wanted to help parents and students understand middle school life better, so I interviewed an expert that I personally know on the subject, my own 13 year old son, Colten. David: You’ve just completed the 7th grade in middle school, what was your favorite thing about middle school? Colten: My favorite thing about middle school was: the freedom of going to classes to classes, also the freedom of being responsible for your actions (i.e. being prompt). David: What was your least favorite thing about middle school? Colten: In my school, we had no air conditioning. Also, in my school, we couldn’t choose our own exploratory classes such as wood shop, which does not exist in my school. David: What tip would you give incoming 7th graders next school year? Colten: Get used to combination locks on your locker. Keep your locker organized. A dry/erasable scheduler with magnetic backing inside your locker is good for assignments. Also, usually you will have a short time between classes so; watch your time carefully, like talking to friends. Later in the year, teachers will not baby you when you don’t bring in due assignments. David: What’s some positive ways students can get along with teachers and administrators in middle school? Colten: For teachers: Once in awhile, try to do more than is asked of you on class work and homework. Show positive ideas and greetings to your teachers. Also, in middle school, you get a “lavatory pass” to go to the bathroom, so don’t abuse the pass, by skipping class time. For administrators: stay out of trouble. If there is a serious issue involving a student (such as an injury from falling), tell an administrator about it and lead them to it. David: What are some school security protocols new students should know? Colten: Your gym bag should be a see-through mesh or a plastic grocery bag so that adults in school can easily identify its contents. Medical prescription details should be told to an administrator or principal by parents. Any type of weapon, no matter what, is not allowed in school. David: Do teachers or administrators hold some type of orientations for new students so that they understand what to expect in middle school? Colten: In late August, I had an orientation/open house at my school, where it was held in the auditorium where they explained what is needed to be expected by students, for example, they need the best effort from you. On the first day of the new school year, I was sent to homeroom, where I sat for 2 hours, having explained to me the protocol here; examples are, storing your supplies in your personal locker. Parents/ students will get an invitation from the principal in the mail around July to attend the August orientation. David: Is there anything your middle school lacks that you wish they had? Colten: I wish they had auto shop, wood shop/metal shop, study hall, additional technology classes and chemistry. David: Is middle school scary? Colten: Not at all. It is easier than it looks. David: In conclusion, is there anything else you would like to add or comment on about middle school? Colten: Like I said, middle school is easier than perceived. Also, being on time and putting all your efforts will greatly affect your attitudes to teachers and the like. David: Thank you for the interview, I’ll see you at dinner time. Colten: Your welcome and I can’t wait for dinner. Colten is a student at Lasalle Prepatory School in Niagara Falls, New York and has just recently completed the 7th grade.