South Whittier School District sixth-grade students visited Graves Middle School on Wednesday, March 19, in preparation for entering middle school and to get a glimpse of what being a GMS Panther is all about.
All South Whittier elementary schools attended the Graves Middle School visit. The visit began with students taking a tour of the Graves’ campus classrooms. They then got to hear a presentation from GMS principal, Mr. Hernandez. Mr Hernandez introduced the GMS support staff, counselors, social worker, and instructional coach. He then shared about Graves sharing information regarding expectations, after-school programs, interventions, enrichment opportunities, and electives. This included after-school tutoring, college classes, sports, the AVID program, and much more.
The presentation continued with students hearing about GMS student expectations. This consisted of having Panther pride, being ready to learn, having materials ready, and being kind and respectful. Lastly, students got to see how the middle school schedule works and how it differs from their current elementary school schedules. Students also got to hear from GMS ASB members and their experience as they transitioned from elementary school to middle school and what students can look forward to.
After the presentation, students participated in contests, and won prizes. Contests consisted of a basketball shoot-off and a competitive game of musical chairs. All participants received a prize of GMS swag to take home.
Following the contests students got to take part in an elective fair. The elective fair allowed students to explore electives, ask questions, and begin deciding what electives they would want to take in middle school. The fair included band, coding, journalism, AVID, college and career journey, health and sports, ASB, and more.