[su_row]During this time of isolation, we know it’s especially important to foster connections any way we can! One of the ways the middle school has been trying to build community connections during distance learning is through clubs. At least one club meets every day, during either the students’ morning or midday break. Clubs are completely optional, and students can join one at any time.

On Mondays, Book Club meets. This club discusses book recommendations and has started reading the fantasy novel The Golden Compass together! Students are only two chapters in, but I’m looking forward to hearing their reactions on Monday!

On Tuesdays, during Lego Club, Lego enthusiasts get the chance to show off their creations.[/su_row] [su_row][su_column size=”1/2″][/su_column][su_column size=”1/2″][/su_column][/su_row] Wednesday is Art Club. Our middle school artists show off their work to Ms. Lucas and are given an optional assignment to work on during club time, such as drawing their pet or creating “cloud people.” This week, students played Pictionary with Ms. Lucas!

Next up, Thursday is Dance Club! Students can join Mrs. Khan for some morning movement with Koo Koo dance-a-longs.

Fridays feature jump rope club in the morning, where students have worked on individual jump rope skills and talked about how they can put together a jump rope performance, and Dungeons and Dragons Club at lunch. Right now, there are two D&D campaigns going, with middle schoolers serving as the “dungeon masters” for each group.

We love having this time to socialize with the kids and talk about their hobbies and interests!

On a separate note, the middle school teachers appreciated all of the thoughtful feedback from the last survey! We’ve been working on a list of distance learning tips that we share with students during advisory, but we wanted to make a version for our middle school families. Click here for some of our distance learning tips to help be successful and anxiety-free during this difficult time.

Emily McAllister
Middle School Director

Mornings with Kate: November 2010
Executive Function in Distance Learning
Share this article: