We wanted to share an important and exciting update regarding changes for our 6th grade students for the 25/26 school year at Pennsville Middle School (PVMS). After careful consideration and discussion, we have decided to create a dedicated 6th grade wing in the 200 hallway of the building. All 6th grade teachers will be moving to classrooms in that area, along with some elective teachers.
This means that 6th graders will have their classrooms clustered together, separate from the rest of the building. They will also have their own dedicated bathroom in that wing. These changes will allow us to ease the transition to middle school for our 6th graders. They will be able to remain in their own space for most of the day and will not mingle in the hallways with 7th and 8th graders except for arrival and dismissal.
6th graders will be changing to classrooms much closer in proximity, and by extension they will no longer need 3 minutes passing time, and will be dismissed when the late bell rings for 7th and 8th graders. The restroom at that end of the building will be exclusively for 6th graders, ensuring they do not mingle with 7th/8th graders in the hallways at any point during the school day except for arrival and dismissal. We will be doing everything we can to keep the 6th graders in their own space, and thereby helping to ease their transition into the secondary level more gradually.
What are the main reasons for creating the 6th grade wing?
The main reasons for creating the 6th grade wing are to improve the developmental experience, reduce exposure to older students, enhance academic focus, reduce distractions, and ease the transition into middle school for the 6th graders.
Developmental Needs: 6th graders are at a unique stage, not quite elementary students, and not yet teenagers. This dedicated space will offer them the familiarity of an elementary environment while introducing them to the opportunities of middle school. Research supports the idea that 6th graders thrive better when isolated from older students.
Reduced Exposure to Older Students: By having their own wing, 6th graders will be less exposed to behaviors they are not yet ready to navigate, such as increased disciplinary issues, and complex social pressures that often come with mixing with older adolescents.
Academic Focus and Reduced Distractions: Nationally, there's a noticeable dip in middle school performance, often due to the transition to a new school and changing classes. Keeping the 6th grade in their own wing with limited distractions will allow us to focus on academics. This will also make it easier to enforce cell phone use and hallway behaviors, setting clear expectations for our 6th graders.
Easing the Transition: Many students find the transition from elementary to middle school challenging. This dedicated space provides a "Middle School Lite" experience. They will still have opportunities to join clubs and participate in activities, but will benefit from a more nurturing and consistent environment with a familiar cohort of teachers.
In summary, this move is about creating an optimal environment where 6th graders can thrive academically and socially as they begin their middle school journey.
Summary of the logistical adjustments being made for 6th graders:
6th graders will be moving to classrooms closer to them.
They will no longer need 3 minutes passing time.
They will be dismissed when the late bell rings for 7th and 8th graders.
The bathroom at that end of the building will be just for 6th graders.
They will not be mingling in the hallways with 7th/8th graders at any point during the school day besides arrival and dismissal.
With the 6th grade in their own dedicated area of the building, this will also have a positive impact on next year's 7th and 8th graders as well. As we have in the prior few school years, we have tried to eliminate as many distractions and barriers to instruction as we can (Cell Phone policy, E-Hallpass to name a few). Minimizing distractions is the premise behind this, as there will be far less hallway traffic, restroom traffic, and exposure to multiple grade levels. The 7th and 8th graders
We are really excited about this change and believe that it is necessary based on our many conversations with teachers, parents, and students. This move is driven by our commitment to creating the best possible learning environment for all of our students, focusing on their developmental needs, maximizing academic focus, and easing the transition to middle school. We believe this setup will provide a supportive and nurturing environment for our students as they start their middle school journey.
As we are putting a bow on this school year, we here at PVMS are already excited about next school year!! We hope that all of you have an amazing summer! Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Dr. Slusher - Principal Pennsville Middle School
aslusher@pv-eagles.org
Mr. Mulhern - Assistant Principal Pennsville Middle School
kmulhern@pv-eagles.org