Schools

Program Helps Sixth Graders Get Familiar With Their New School

The following news release was submitted by the Westfield Public Schools.

Thirty incoming sixth graders in the Westfield Public Schools participated in academic, social and organizational activities for two weeks this summer to prepare them for the start of the new school year. 

In the Jump Start Program, students were divided among Edison and Roosevelt Intermediate Schools to familiarize them with their new schools.  At the end of the two weeks, the students created a handy survival guide that can be utilized throughout the year.

Led by teachers Alex Lasker and Cecilia Valdes at Edison, and Erika Hodges and Cheryl Wohlgemuth at Roosevelt, the program included emphasis on math, language arts, computer techniques, organizational skills, learning styles, guidance activities, and school tours.

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Roosevelt math teacher Cheryl Wohlgemuth explained, “We’ve made the activities hands-on and fun, giving them real life experiences in math.” 

For example, when the students walked into town on a field trip, they had to map their route and calculate distance. They also participated in a mapping activity of their new school.

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At Edison, instructor Alex Lasker added, “I think they are getting great exposure and they are becoming accustomed to middle school.  The program has been very effective.”


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