3 Essentials for Middle School Success During COVID

3 Essentials for Middle School Success During COVID

Middle School is a uniquely challenging time for students, and the coronavirus pandemic has amplified their need for stable, supportive school experiences given the additional stressors they see and feel all around them. At any time, but especially now, adolescents need more than the basics to help them through this important transitional time in their development.

Adult Relationships Matter

It takes a special kind of teacher to successfully reach and teach middle schoolers. A motto of our middle school teaching staff is: “We embrace the excitement, the growth, and the mess that is middle school.” These teachers understand adolescents and appreciate their directness, their sensitivity, their energy, and even their humor. Building authentic relationships is essential – especially during COVID, when students are isolated from each other and are missing many of the positive social interactions they need for healthy growth. Excellent middle school teachers build authentic relationships with students, finding ways to validate who they are as individuals.

Opportunities Matter

Generally, juggling school, activities, and socializing can be especially trying for middle schoolers, as they require more time just when the need for sleep and family connection becomes stronger. COVID has changed this dynamic, so that many students need far more activity than they are getting. An aspect of our school that I appreciate is how we incorporate clubs, service learning, assemblies, advisory time, skills classes, and PE/athletics into the school day. We feel these are so important, we refer to them as “co-curriculars.” During COVID, this extra stimulation has been invaluable for our students. New experiences, ideas, challenges, and people are keeping them moving and thinking in different ways.

Culture Matters

The community environment of middle school is especially important given the social insecurity of early adolescence. Incidences of teasing and bullying can increase, as children seek to define themselves through external validation and vie for social standing, sometimes in unhealthy ways. True learning and growth can only happen when students feel happy and safe, allowing them to take risks and truly engage in all social and academic opportunities. Students must feel accepted and respected for who they are and given inspiration for who they may become. School culture is created by all community members through shared values, experiences, and the belief in the mission of the school.

To learn more about Carlsbad’s Pacific Ridge School, visit pacificridge.org.