Successful 5th grade shadowing days

As we enter the second semester, AEA fifth grade families are finalizing their decisions about where to send their students for middle school. In an effort to highlight our middle school program, last week and the first part of this week were dedicated to allowing AEA fifth graders to experience the middle school through our annual MIDDLE SCHOOL SHADOWING DAY. The AEACMS 6th grade teachers and students welcomed excited groups of fifth graders into their classrooms for advisory period and block one. Fifth graders were each paired with a sixth grade guide, who made them feel welcome and made sure they arrived at their next class on time!

Thanks to everyone who was instrumental in making this interaction work so smoothly: the AEA 5th grade teaching team for allowing us to 'borrow' your students during valuable teaching time; and AEACMS 6th grade teachers for your graciousness in welcoming visitors into your busy classrooms.

The shadowing days were followed by a parent information evening on Tuesday, January 29 that was tailored specifically for AEA parents of fifth graders. I presented an overview of the middle school program, and answered a list of FAQs that I have compiled over the past year or so. Social Studies teacher Mr. Evans also provided a valuable teacher perspective. If you were unable to attend this meeting, please see the AEA Official Calendar (go to www.aeacs.org and click the calendar link in the left margin).