Community, Student Spotlight

Ram Reflections: MICDS Middle School Favorites

Crystal DAngelo /

Ask five eighth-graders what they like most about Middle School at MICDS and you’ll, of course, get five different answers. From MICDS traditions to spots on campus, read what some of our most senior members of the Middle School class call their favorites as they reflect on their fifth through eighth-grade experiences.

Middle School Favorites According to an Eighth Grader

Akira Washington ’26 came to MICDS in fifth grade and is also involved in volleyball, cheer, and lacrosse.

  • What she loves about MICDS:
    “There’s a lot to love about this school—the people, the food, the education, the community. In my opinion, the community is the greatest benefit. Coming to a new school is hard as-is but knowing there are people ready to support you is comforting. Everyone is very welcoming. I love the positive environment. I also love how easy it is to make connections in the community. It’s so easy to find people to connect with. It might take a while to make those best friends, but it’ll come eventually. I even grew close to some of my teachers.”
  • Her favorite MICDS tradition:
    “My favorite MICDS tradition is definitely Homecoming week. Homecoming at MICDS is an unforgettable experience! There are so many activities packed into this one week—it’s so eventful and fun. Everyone in the school gets to participate in dressing up. We have fun challenges and tons of games against our biggest rival (JBS). My favorite is the big football game. The school spirit during the week (and at the football game) is incredible. To top it all off, we have the bonfire night. It is a night where the whole school is welcome to come and enjoy a good time on the fields and at the end of the night, a bonfire is lit. It’s definitely the highlight of my school year.”
  • Her favorite place in Middle School:
    “My favorite place in the Middle School is the Freeman Arts building. Personally, I love art—I play piano, I love choir, I love to paint and draw. Anything that is expressive I love. This building has the art studios, the theater, and it even has a piano. I couldn’t ask for a more comforting location for all of my hobbies rolled into one place. Plus, there are really comfy couches in the lobby with (in my opinion) the perfect dim lighting.”

 

Meredith Mack ’26 came to MICDS in fourth grade and is also involved in the 7th and 8th-grade play.

  • What she loves about MICDS:
    “My favorite thing about Middle School is the teachers. All of them go to great lengths to make lessons engaging and full of good information. The teachers encourage everyone, as cliché as it may sound, to be their best selves; they encourage quiet kids to speak up, encourage everyone to work together rather than against, and encourage us to think about a concept, truly know it, rather than memorize words and solutions.”
  • Her favorite place in Middle School:
    “My favorite place in the Middle School is the library. I often go there for recess and have always enjoyed the atmosphere. There are many great books, tables to work at, a cozy room to read in, and a puzzle to work on. I also love the courtyard, especially during the summer. In the beginning of the year and at the end, we are allowed to sit there during lunch with our friends.”

 

Zach Withington ’26 came to MICDS in third grade and is also involved in squash and LEGO® robotics.

  • What he loves about MICDS:
    “I love that all of the teachers and students are very helpful and kind.”
  • His favorite MICDS tradition:
    “My favorite MICDS tradition is the bonfire because it is a great place to go and hang out with all your friends.”
  • His favorite teacher:
    “My favorite teacher is Mr. Shockley because, although he can be strict, he is a great teacher in terms of teaching the class and helping students get ready for high school.”
  • His favorite place in Middle School:
    “My favorite place in the Middle School is the eighth-grade hallway because I can talk to friends in between classes.”

 

Shritha Devisetty ’26 came to MICDS in fifth grade and is also involved in 7th and 8th-grade play, volleyball, and squash.

  • What she loves about MICDS:
    “I love how nice everyone here is! Since my first day, I have been treated with nothing but respect.”
  • Her favorite MICDS tradition:
    “One of my favorite traditions here is homecoming whether it is the bonfire, game, or carnival. I always have a great time.”
  • Her favorite teacher:
    “Mr. Kay is my favorite teacher because he always finds a way to liven up class and joke around with us.”
  • Her favorite place in Middle School:
    My favorite place in the Middle School is the cafeteria. The food served there is the best, and I have made so many great memories there with my friends that will last a lifetime.

 

Audrey Marino ’26 came to MICDS in fifth grade and is also involved in volleyball, basketball, and the 7th and 8th-grade play.

  • What she loves about MICDS:
    “In general, [I love] the community I am surrounded by. Most everyone I encounter meets me with kindness and respect, and I am very grateful for that.”
  • Her favorite MICDS tradition:
    “I love the bonfire. It is so fun and a great opportunity to meet others.”
  • Her favorite teacher:
    “My favorite teacher in my Middle School experience is Ms. Williams, my fifth-grade history teacher. She has a lot of hands-on activities, making my learning not only fun but easy to understand for me.”
  • Her favorite place in Middle School:
    “I love the MAC. I play my sports there and I hang out in the MAC all the time.”

How fun to see some of the many favorites of our Middle School Rams before they go onto Upper School! Thanks for sharing, eighth graders!