From horseshoe crabs, salt marshes, oysters, and ospreys, to beach erosion, salt water wedges, and salinity measurements, the Rocky Hill environment has been an ideal place for developing the Middle School science program, and for exciting an interest within students to learn about their natural environment. In 1994, my role in the Middle School expanded to being a division head. Being involved in all aspects of the Middle School experience gave me a much clearer insight into the role of an educator. Working with parents, new faculty, committees, division heads, and all other constituencies of the school community, has turned out to be an immensely rewarding adventure. What I like about Middle School Middle School students are fascinating.
Adolescence is an age of transition in so many ways.
Here, the students can give you glimpses of still being a child, poised to burst into silliness at any moment, but at the same time, trying on new faces or identities, seeing what fits or what doesn't. Many are able to think on abstract levels for the first time, and are ready to be academically challenged and pushed. At the same time, they are learning social skills, friendships are critical, and suddenly, they are incredibly aware of themselves. In the summer of 1999, I took on the task of working with teachers to find ways to incorporate and utilize our marine environment into the RHS curriculum, and also coordinating the environmental program across the three divisions. RHS resides along a beautiful estuary which provides unique learning opportunities for students of all ages and in all academic and extracurricular disciplines.