by student writer Stone Hendricks
At Houston Middle School new adventures await the new sixth graders. To prepare for the transition, Dogwood fifth grade students took a field trip to HMS.
At the field trip the rising 6th graders got to meet the administrators. They also talked about the rules like how students have to put their phones in the phone pocket when they come into class, or they have to turn their phone off and not touch it. Fifth graders also got to see what types of clubs they might want to choose.
Students also learned about the house system. They are sorted into one of four houses. The houses are good ways to get to know students in all grades, so that students have older friends who know more about the school. Once the students get chosen to their house they stay in that house for the rest of their time in middle school.
“The house system builds up my excitement,” fifth grader Brecon Hester said, “and I like having the feeling of somebody older having my back.”
The students also get to fill out their own electives. The four main subjects are chosen for them, but students get a choice in electives. Electives can last one semester or a full year.
The transition will not be hard. The sixth grade has its own wing in the school, and they have four crossing guards for walking or biking to school. The school takes care of its students.
“I thought this field trip was a great experience to see what we are stepping into next year,” fifth grader Ailsa Frye said.