Schools

Back-to-School Dread Diminished in Woodbury Middle School Program

Woodbury Middle has a summer initiative that looks to ease sixth-graders' challenges as they move on from elementary school.

Incoming sixth-graders at Woodbury Middle School will find sailing a little smoother this fall thanks to a program that looks to ease their transition from elementary classrooms.

Called “CAMP 6,” the initiative has made a difference for new students, said Lori Swanson, a teacher at Woodbury Middle.

“We try and take the anxiety out of their first days of school,” she said. “We spend a lot of time with lockers.”

The three-day program, which began Monday, Aug. 12, with WEB (Where Everybody Belongs), includes tours of the building, issuing of schedules, photos, and a chance to meet staff and eight-graders. The older students were wearing purple T-shirts on Monday, and they will again on Sept. 3.

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“It gives (the incoming sixth-graders) a friendly face for their first day,” Swanson said. “It’s really a community-building thing.”

CAMP 6 has been held at Woodbury Middle School for the past few years and it makes younger students more comfortable and less apprehensive about school in general, Swanson said.

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Swanson said she was at two other schools before coming to Woodbury Middle.

“This is the best school I have ever been in. This school is just amazing,” she said. “It’s all kid-driven. It’s such a joy.”

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