Oskaloosa Sixth Graders Share Their First Impressions of Middle School

Members of the Oskaloosa Middle School stopped by the Oskaloosa News Studio to talk about the transition to the middle school building.

OSKALOOSA, Iowa – Starting middle school can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and full of questions. Two Oskaloosa sixth graders shared that school tours, seeing familiar teachers, and visiting early made the transition easier.

Natalee Sams and Paine Pierson sat down with Oskaloosa Middle School Principal Clint Gingerich to talk with Oskaloosa News. They talked about their first days at school, new classes, future goals, and the support available to students.

A Mix of Excitement and Nerves

Paine said he was excited to start sixth grade at a new school. Since he had visited the building a few times before, it did not feel totally unfamiliar.

Natalee said she felt nervous on her first day. She worried about being late and not knowing where to go. But she soon found that getting around the building was easier than she thought.

Gingerich explained that feeling nervous is normal since students want their first day to go smoothly. He said the school helps fifth graders get to know the middle school before they start sixth grade.

These efforts include building tours, student-parent nights, and open house events. Students can also go to the OMS Celebrity Walk before school starts. This event lets them meet teachers, see the building, and pick a locker.

Paine said picking a locker near his friends was one part of the event he enjoyed. He also selected a locker near the stairs so he could reach an upstairs class more easily.

Natalee remembered meeting teachers and noticing how humor helped students feel at ease. She said one teacher stood out because he made everyone laugh and feel comfortable.

Fewer Teachers Help Ease the Change

Oskaloosa Middle School keeps the number of core teachers for sixth graders low. Gingerich said most sixth graders have just two or three core teachers each day.

Students also have longer periods for reading, writing, and math. This schedule means fewer classroom changes as they adjust to middle school. It also helps them get ready for seventh grade, when they will have more teachers.

Gingerich said the school’s data shows strong results for sixth graders. He gave credit to the teachers, the way classes are set up, and the work happening in classrooms.

He also said test scores are just one way to see how students are doing. The school keeps setting new goals and changing how they teach to help students at all learning levels.

Electives Give Students More Choices

Sixth graders can also take elective classes, which let them try out interests beyond their main subjects.

Natalee talked about the school’s Art, Design, and Media Production class. She said students are trusted to be responsible and encouraged to be creative. She also likes that students can be themselves without worrying about being judged.

Paine is in band. He said having a teacher he already knew from fifth grade made starting middle school easier. Gingerich said math, reading, writing, science, and social studies remain important. He said elective courses also matter because they give students ways to build confidence, express themselves, and discover new interests.

Students Consider Their Futures

The two students also talked about what they might want to do after they finish school.

Paine said he has not chosen a career yet. He wants to give himself time to learn more about his strengths and what subjects interest him.

Natalee said she once thought about becoming a hairdresser. Now, she is interested in being a labor and delivery nurse. Her aunt, who cares for babies as a nurse, helped inspire her.

When asked what they would change about middle school, Natalee said she did not think any big changes were needed. She has noticed students becoming more mature as they move up from elementary school.

Paine had one practical suggestion. He thinks locker combinations should be shorter because some students have trouble opening their lockers and might be late to class.

WIN Time Provides Added Support

The students also talked about a part of the school day called WIN time, which stands for What I Need.

Paine said this period gives students time to catch up or work on skills that need extra attention. Sometimes, a student might work with a teacher who is not their regular homeroom teacher.

Gingerich said the school uses early assessments and teacher feedback to figure out what support each student needs. WIN time can give extra academic help or offer enrichment for students who are ready for more challenging work.

The goal is to meet students where they are in their learning and help them keep growing.

A Message About Kindness

Natalee finished with some advice for other students. She encouraged them to dream big, try even when they are unsure, and treat others with kindness.

She also reminded students that they might not know what a classmate is going through outside of school. A kind action can have a bigger impact than people realize.

Gingerich praised Natalee and Paine for sharing their experiences. He said their willingness to participate showed leadership as they started their first year at Oskaloosa Middle School.