Middle School

Seniors Turn Back the Clock

by Jody Mischnick

April 03, 2008

“Did I really like that group?” “I thought skateboarding was great?” “I was sure HE would be the captain of the football team?” These are all questions seniors have asked after looking over materials they completed and gathered in language arts class their 8th grade year. For more than 20 years, Mrs. Mischnick, at the middle school,has saved a packet of materials that each 8th grade student finished. She would keep it until their senior year and invite them back to open the packet and take a walk down memory lane.

Each year Mrs. Mischnick is rather surprised that students who were pretty unmotivated have a plan for their future. This year, all but one student knew they were going to college, a trade school, the military, or a community college. They really DO grow up! They also physically grow, the boys more than the girls. They have a string to represent their 8th grade height and they also trace their hand. The boys are often taller and bigger while the girls seems to maintain their middle school stature.

Since Mrs. Mischnick is retiring this year, she will need to formulate a new plan for the seniors. But she is sure they will have the opportunity to receive their packets and take a fun walk “backwards in time.”