As the start of the school year approaches, Trigg County Middle School Principal Amy Breckel says the staff is ready to welcome students back and help them navigate one of the biggest transitions in their academic careers.
Breckel said teachers have spent the summer preparing classrooms and planning activities to help students get acclimated when classes resume. Rather than focusing only on rules and procedures during the first week, the school will also hold rallies and culture-building activities designed to help students reconnect with classmates and staff.
Breckel said moving from intermediate school to middle school can be both exciting and challenging. While students are eager to see their friends again, they must also learn to manage lockers, change classes throughout the day, and become more independent.
One of the school’s biggest goals is teaching students to advocate for themselves.
click to download audioStudents will also have to adjust to moving between seven class periods each day, keeping track of materials and managing their lockers during four-minute passing periods.
Parents are also being reminded of several procedures before the first day of school.
Morning drop-off begins at 7:25 a.m., with first period starting at 7:45 a.m. Students should be dropped off in the horseshoe area by the cafeteria, while afternoon pickup will take place in the parking lot near the field house. Breckel said using the designated drop-off area will help reduce congestion for buses, staff and high school students who also use nearby parking areas.
Students should also bring only clear water bottles to school, use three-ring binders instead of zippered binders, and continue using clear mesh backpacks as part of the school’s safety procedures.
Another significant change this year will be a reduced reliance on Chromebooks in the classroom.
Breckel said the school is moving away from its previous one-to-one technology model, although computers will still be available when instruction calls for them. Chromebooks will remain in classroom carts and will be used intentionally for projects, assessments and technology courses instead of every day.
She said the goal is to encourage more discussion and collaboration among students.
click to download audioBreckel also said Trigg County Middle School adopted a no-cell phone policy before Kentucky’s statewide restriction took effect.
Trigg County Middle School will host its open house from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday.
