Warwick to offer middle school 'induction' program

Posted 6/13/17

Incoming 7th graders will be able to have a freshman orientation-style induction" right before the 2017/2018 year begins. "Middle school means more than just a seismic shift for students academically. It's an educational model that asks them to suddenly"

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Warwick to offer middle school 'induction' program

Posted

Incoming 7th graders will be able to have a freshman orientation-style “induction” right before the 2017/2018 year begins.

“Middle school means more than just a seismic shift for students academically. It’s an educational model that asks them to suddenly change the way they attend school and, in turn, the way a school operates for them,” reads a Warwick Public Schools press release. “Students change classes and teachers. There are schedules to be followed and days to be organized. That, on top of enhanced academic rigor, can be a lot for some students to handle.”

Chief Academic Officer Sheryl Rabbitt thought an induction program might be helpful in helping students adjust to what will be their new school lifestyle. The program, scheduled right before school starts during the week of August 21, will allow students – particularly those who might have a more difficult time adjusting to their new academic environments – the opportunity to get a sneak peek of middle school life.

“We wanted it to provide a lot of things – academic support, team building, leadership, and a chance to see what Middle School looks like,” Rabbitt said in a statement.

The students will participate in classroom activities that will offer academic curriculum, activities, and extend outdoor time. The idea is to prepare students without “robbing them of a week of summer.”

The program, seeded with a $37,365 grant from the Rhode Island Foundation, was initially planned at both Veterans and Winman Junior High School. However, construction projects at Veterans precluded using that facility. Instead, 50 students slated for each school will attend the induction program at Winman.

Rabbitt said initially, the program will be made available to students referred by teachers, school counselors, and administrators based on academic needs and pronounced anxiety. She said parents interested in the program will also be able to sign up their own children.

The goal, Rabbitt said, is for children who might have felt intimidated leaving the more structured environment of elementary school to not only feel comfortable moving forward, but excited.

“We want them to feel like they are an important part of those communities,” she said.

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