There are probably few things more anxiety-inducing for a child than starting a new school. How will I make friends? Where is everything? Who are my teachers? The teachers and student support staff at MICDS are on the case, offering a Bridge program designed to make students as comfortable as possible in their new environment. Each division offered events and programs catering to the needs of their students. Learn how everyone was prepared for the first day of school this week!
Lower School
Where’s a favorite spot for Beasley students? The playground, of course! It was the perfect place for students and their parents to connect and reconnect with each other and teachers during Welcome Days by grade. Each event was filled with laughter and connection, a perfect introduction to our nurturing Lower School.
The day before school started, new students enjoyed Orientation Day. Parents arrived in the Beasley Dining Room and were greeted by all Lower School faculty and staff. Guests sampled breakfast treats before spending time in their homerooms with their new friends and teachers.
Head of Lower School Amy Scheer said, “The welcome days and the first day of school are some of the happiest days of the school year; it is so wonderful to see our students and their families and to watch their faces as they reunite and make new connections, see the classroom spaces, and learn about all that their children will be doing this year.”
“One of my most favorite days of the school year is opening day!” said Linda Ganss, Administrative Assistant to Head of Lower School. “The joy it brings to my heart seeing the bright smiles, eager faces, and energetic footsteps through the halls of our Beasley children and families. It’s amazing how much they have grown, not just in height but also in their ever-expanding supply of brain power. I’ve waited all summer for this day! From my heart to all of our Beasley families, new and returning, I am sending you warm welcome wishes. Thank you for sharing your family with us!”
Middle School
The goal of the Middle School Bridge Program is to provide a successful transition for our new students as they begin their careers in the Middle School at MICDS. It takes a lot of work to coordinate since most of our new students enter MICDS through our Middle School each year. The program includes orientation to the campus, academic enrichment, organization and study skills, and socialization within the MICDS community.
Incoming Middle School students met each day for a week. They participated in icebreaker and team-building activities and learned that Middle Schoolers operate by LEAD:
- Learning with curiosity and joy
- Embracing challenge
- Advocating for yourself and others
- Demonstrating collaboration and teamwork.
Every day of Bridge was “sponsored by” one letter.
New students also learned about the history of MICDS, where to find important resources on campus (the cafeteria, carpool, MS Office, grade level hallways and lockers, the Help Desk, restrooms, the Courtyard, and the front lawn), and information about their class schedules. They received their laptops and some training from the MICDS Technology Team, learning how to log in and change passwords, and experiencing the student portal, MICDS email, and Canvas.
Current students volunteered to share their insight and perspective with these new friends, serving as Rambassadors and speaking about the daily schedule, class length, what to expect on Welcome Day, and their personal experiences. Akira Washington ’26 said, “One of the best programs I’ve been a part of at MICDS is, hands down, the Rambassador Program. It’s not because of the amazing play on words (“RAM”bassador), but because this program holds so many different opportunities to help so many different people. It brings me so much joy to help a new student get acclimated with the school grounds or welcome a new family into our community. Whether that welcome is a small contribution or large, it is greatly appreciated by that family. Being a Rambassador means being a part of what makes experiences here at MICDS memorable.”
“The puzzles, scavenger hunts, snacks, and challenges for the kids were fun and engaging! They were not only educational to help them ease into the School but also entertaining,” said Maahi Saani ’27. “I had a really great time seeing them learn and grow within the new environment. I loved the last day the most since I was able to help them with a puzzle, and they had me in their group for their scavenger hunt. It was an amazing experience, and I wish I could go back!”
“I loved being a RAMbassador because I met a lot of younger people who now I can help with over the school year and years,” said Kolce Mileski ’27. “I also interacted with teachers, other RAMbassadors, and kids I wouldn’t think I would talk to. This helped me be more open and more socially interactive in person. Being a RAMbassador helped me with my leadership abilities as well. To me, this was a very fun and helpful experience I would recommend you do. It also gives you something to do in the summer.”
Callie Bambenek, Middle School Science Teacher, develops and runs the Summer Bridge program each year, with a lot of help from other faculty and staff members. She said, “Being able to offer both predictability and connection to over 90 new Middle School students this summer was a blast. Community and connection are two of my greatest passions, so to see many students building early relationships with their classmates and teachers is really rewarding to the Bridge Program that was created many years ago.”
Middle School English Teacher Kelly Walsh helped with Bridge, too. “To have the opportunity to build community with the newest members of our MS is beyond worthwhile to both myself and them,” she said. “Making connections before the school year starts is so comforting.”
Upper School
Upper School Counselor David Hotaling leads the charge in welcoming new students to the north end of campus, with a lot of help from Upper School World Languages Teacher Christopher Barker, who created and led two big, team-based activities. A two-day program ensures new students have time to meet and get to know new friends and teachers while learning where everything is. Day One kicks off with a welcome and overview before playing Get To Know You Bingo, where students can find commonalities and learn about each other while having fun. An introduction to Canvas comes next, followed by a scavenger hunt designed to help students learn to navigate campus. The new students enjoyed lunch from the Upper School Dining Hall, toured the library with Ms. Voss and Ms. Williamson, and sampled science classes with Ms. Galluppi. Student mentors led a conversation about the Four As (Academics, Activities, Arts, and Athletics), and the students played games outside before wrapping up the day. Hotaling gives a lot of credit to the 19 students who served as peer mentors during the program. “They provide a really important component in helping the new kids feel welcome,” he said.
Day Two began with an icebreaker activity before presentations on student life and approaches to learning. Our new Director of Instructional Technology and Digital Literacy, Elegan Kramer, offered a session with problem-solving, Q&A, and important information on where to get more technology help. The student mentors then hosted lunch, which doubled as an informal forum for their new schoolmates to ask questions. Ms. Check provided a session on English activities using OneNote, and then each student took time to walk their schedules, ensuring they know exactly where to go once school starts. Bridge Bash ’23 concluded the event, setting the foundation for a fantastic beginning.
All ninth graders also received their own orientation, since even our returning students are venturing into new territory at the opposite end of campus. It was an opportunity for everyone to gather as a class and to learn about their new adventure together.
Many thanks to all our teachers, staff, and student mentors who design an outstanding Bridge program each summer, welcoming our newest students to our community with warmth, kindness, and vital information.