Page 60 - 2017 Yearbook

A Priory student’s eighth grade year is a time of learning, a time of transition, and a time of growth. While shedding their identity as middle schoolers, they must also adjust to the challenges of high school that are to come.
A major emphasis of the eighth- grade curriculum at Priory is learning to think critically. “I think in the middle school we are focusing a lot on thinking, getting broad perspectives, and obtaining their voice” says eighth- grade humanities teacher Mr. Utsumi. “So going into high school, they’ll have a wide open view of new perspectives and be ready to meet new people, share their ideas, and be guided by their teachers in ninth grade.”
However, a major part of the Priory high school experience is meeting an entirely new set of people when they enter into ninth grade. “They are a really close cohort; they work really well together, they’re kind, they’re helpful to each other, but they’re ready for the next step,” continues Mr. Utsumi. Although the eighth graders face the task of
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incorporating the approximately 6 thirty-five new students admitted to
Priory Upper School into their
already tight-knit community, they are taking it in stride. “I’m very excited to
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meet new people. That’s actually what I’m looking forward to most about high school,” says Zach Zafran (8). With such a friendly, benevolent group as the eighth graders, this will prove to be a breeze.
Eighth grade is a time of academic exploration and personal discovery. but students are still eager to embrace the social and academic liberty that comes with high school. “I think that in middle school, we were more guided and shown what to do,” says Nick Tidmarsh (8). “But in high school, you’re allowed to go more your own way, so I’m excited for the freedom.”
While high school is certainly a very big step, the years of preparation at Priory Middle School have helped the eighth graders prepare for this moment. There’s no doubt that they are ready and able to take on all that lies ahead.
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