Fifth Graders Visit Future Homes at Hillside and Meads Mill

The transition from elementary to middle school is a major milestone, and the district’s fifth graders took a giant leap forward this week. Students from across all elementary schools participated in annual transition visits to Hillside Middle School and Meads Mill Middle School, getting an insider look at their future homes for the upcoming school year. The orientation visits were designed to ease jitters, spark excitement, and help the rising sixth graders become familiar with middle school life well before summer break. 

A Warm Welcome From Leadership

The school spirit was palpable from the moment the school buses arrived at the buildings. At Hillside, Principal Bill Jones greeted incoming students right at the front doors with high-fives and a warm welcome. Meanwhile, at Meads Mill, Assistant Principal William Lambdin

 met with the new students in the main auditorium to share encouraging words about the exciting opportunities ahead. Both principals, alongside dedicated middle school staff and student leaders, spent the day guiding the fifth graders through the building layout and answering questions about the daily routine. 

Mapping Out the Middle School Routine

To give the fifth graders a true insider perspective, current middle school students volunteered as tour guides and panel speakers. These student leaders led small breakout groups through the core classrooms, gymnasiums, and common areas while giving firsthand accounts of extracurricular clubs, sports, homework expectations, and lunchtime routines.

Inside Tips from Current Student Leaders

Whether proudly sporting school colors or wearing matching "Class of '33" spirit gear, the incoming sixth graders demonstrated that they are ready to take on the challenge of middle school. Thanks to the hard work of staff and student volunteers, the building visits provided a strong foundation for a successful start this autumn. Congratulations to the Class of 2033 on taking this exciting next step!