Hello, Middle School Students and Families! Happy New Year! Here’s a look at what’s happening in the Middle School this week.
Aly Diaz ’29 ran today’s meeting. You can check out the slides from this week’s meeting here.
THE BVR STUDENT
At Middle School meetings throughout the year, students present elements of The BVR Student.
Ava Clark ’30 and Elizabeth Zimman ’30 presented: sleeps, eats healthy food, and is physically active.
If you don’t get enough sleep, you may not remember things as well as well as when you are rested. Eating healthy food gives you energy that will fuel you and help you learn. Without energy, you may not participate in some activities because you don’t have energy for it. Being physically activity is good for you, it helps your body work well. It’s fun to play, be with your friends, and be in a safe community.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Addie Marsh ’28 reminded everyone the Hiatt Social Justice Retreat is happening in three weeks on Friday, January 26.
The retreat is open to students who are interested in meeting and learning from amazing leaders, artists, and educators who are making a difference in our community and the world. Students will also get to reflect about themselves, their world, and about what making a meaningful difference means for youth today.
Addie talked about some of the presenters, including The Bridge Project. Kane Smego and CJ Suitt are hip-hop artists, spoken word poets, activists, and educators who have dedicated their lives to empowering youth to speak their truth as a way to make the world a more inclusive, welcoming, and empowering place for all.
The form to sign up for the retreat will be emailed soon.
Congratulations to Alessandro Traverso ’30 who won first place in the Silver Division Speech and Debate in December.
7th grade students are going on a field trip this Friday to Harvard Med Science. 8th grade students went on this field trip last year and said it was really interesting, and they learned some cool medical skills.
Trip details:
7th graders will go to the first 35 minutes of class on Friday morning, then meet in the Dining Hall at 8:35 a.m. before heading out on a bus. They will be back on campus by 1 p.m. for lunch and their last-period class.
Senior Zaylin Calderon ’24 (a lifer—she’s been at Beaver since 6th grade) spoke to the middle school about microaggressions.
Microaggressions are subtle interactions or behaviors that show bias towards a group of people. They can be both intentional and unintentional. They are often based on stereotypes that people hold. People who commit microaggressions may not even be aware of them. With that said, people to whom the microaggressions are directed can experience pain. While microaggressions seem small at the moment, they do not feel small to the person on the receiving end. Microaggressions play a major role in perpetuating racism in society. In advisory this week, you will learn more about microaggressions, what they are, how to identify them, and how to respond to them.
This week:
- 6th grade students are participating in an hour-long workshop tomorrow
- 7th grade students will discuss microaggressions in advisory
- 8th grade students will be working on Sharing The Good; they are preparing presentations for the middle school about topics of their choice, including microaggressions.
Lily Roetter ’28 and Zuzu Wyett ’28 announced Spring Afternoon Activities which start in late February. Students and families will receive the form to sign up tomorrow. Options include:
- Tennis (all-gender)
- Baseball
- Softball
- Girls Lacrosse
- Boys Lacrosse
- Instrumental Ensemble
- Innovation Lab (Robotics and Design)
- Visual Art Workshop
- Technical Theater (note: there is not a MS spring show)
- Dance
- BVRFitness
- Ultimate Frisbee
- We also are collecting information about students who might want to participate in US Sailing
Ms. Smith announced that all students will be reflecting on their Skills Feedback today with their advisors. Ms. Smith reminded students that they should be aiming for green ‘Target Understanding’ feedback.
PROGRAMMING & EVENTS
LUNCH & RECESS PROGRAMMING, CLUBS & AFFINITY GROUPS
RISE
Today’s RISE activity was coloring pages. Through fun activities, students learn how to deal with stress and worry.
ADVISORY AGENDA
This week’s advisory agenda: microaggressions.
ATHLETICS
This week’s home games:
TUESDAY
Fencing vs ISB, 3:30 p.m. Green Gym
THURSDAY
Boys B Basketball vs Shady Hill, 3:45 p.m. Gym A
Check out the athletic schedules on the BVR website.
WELLNESS
Wellness classes this week:
MONDAY
Humanities 6.2 with Ms. Graham
THURSDAY
Humanities 6.1 Thursday @ 8:50 a.m. with Ms. Graham