Fifth Graders Take First Steps Toward Middle School
Fifth graders spent flex time with their middle school buddies this week to learn more about what comes next in their Barstow journey.
During flex time on Thursday, Dec. 4, fifth graders joined middle school students in the Middle School Commons area. Students played games, met teachers, checked out lockers and spent time getting to know one another.
Similar to the upper school move-up activities for eighth graders earlier this semester, middle school buddy activities are designed to help fifth graders build social connections, ask questions and begin preparing for middle school life. Middle school students who volunteer as buddies share their own experiences with classes and activities to give fifth graders a clearer idea of what lies ahead. Fifth graders meet with the same middle school buddy for each activity if possible, which allows them to enter middle school already having made a strong social connection.
Fifth graders will meet with their buddies several more times before winter break. Plans include a shared lunch next week, a planning session for a pre-break celebration and a gathering before break with activities, movies and treats.
