Promotions
Celebrating the transition from middle school to high school helps students appreciate the steps they are taking to maturity. Some middle schools host a farewell dance to celebrate the move, most stage an awards assembly to honor eighth-grade achievements, and still others perform more formal promotional ceremonies. (See Chapter 6, “Transitions” for more detail.)
In the Spotlight
Alvarado Intermediate School (Outside Source), a Schools to Watch™-Taking Center Stage 2004 model, Rowland Unified School District). With the help of a very active Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), Alvarado devotes the last week of school to activities recognizing eighth graders. The focus on student assets rather than deficits creates a climate of intellectual development and a caring community of shared educational purpose.
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Character celebrations
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Bullying