The Middle School Years The Middle School experience at TCS begins in the Fifth Grade. The transition to the Middle School is marked by a change of venue as students make the move to Jones House where the Fifth Grade homerooms and a majority of the departmentalized classrooms are located. The transition from the Lower School to the Middle School is designed to be gradual during which students move from self-contained classrooms with a homeroom teacher in the Fifth Grade to fully departmentalized classes and an advisor system in Grades Six, Seven, and Eight. Hallmarks of The Country School Middle School Program  An Exceptional Faculty The Middle School teachers are rich in experience and diverse in expertise. The combination allows for an academic and social experience that is consistent with the mission of the school as well as relevant in today's ever-changing world.  Rich Academics The academic core of the middle school program is rigorous in its content, adaptable to the needs of students, and wide in the breadth of offerings. Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities, most of which are organized by interested TCS teachers.  Physical Education/Interscholastic Athletics The Physical Education department continues to stress the goals and ideals introduced and developed throughout the Lower School program. Grades Five through Eight participate in regularly scheduled physical education classes where they continue to build on the concepts of teamwork and physical fitness. The lessons learned in the program are readily transferred to the playing field and courts as our athletic teams compete against area schools, both public and independent, in after-school, interscholastic contests. The athletic offerings include soccer, basketball, swimming, softball, lacrosse, and tennis.  Outdoor Education Program Second to none in the region, this hands-on education program allows students to define and strengthen for themselves qualities of character and citizenship, ideals of practical and philosophical leadership, notions of responsible stewardship of the environment, and sound decision-making skills. The Outdoor Education Program complements our academic curriculum. Care has been taken to design a series of outdoor experiences that present physical challenges and skills in a sequential manner. While all activities presented are challenge by choice, students are encouraged to extend beyond their personal comfort levels in a supportive environment. The program begins in 5th Grade with an overnight trip to Deer Lake which emphasizes environmental activities, group building, and leadership activities. The program ends with a trip to the American Southwest for nine days and eight nights of camping and hiking. All trips are chaperoned by TCS faculty and experienced outdoor professionals.  Advisor System The advisor system has been an integral part of the Middle School experience for many years and is a cornerstone of the TCS experience. Advisors provide guidance to students on academic and affective education matters. They are the link between the home and the school and as such serve as conduits of information on student progress. Each advisor group consists of six to eight students who meet regularly in the mornings and during advisor-proctored study halls. The basic goals of the advisor system are outlined below: Goal 1: To monitor the academic progress of students and to develop timely and effective programs to address areas of need; Goal 2: To monitor the social and emotional development of students and to develop timely and effective programs to address areas of need; Goal 3: To encourage communication between school and parent to clarify mission, program, and policies. In most cases, the advisors selected for the sixth grade year will remain with the student throughout the middle school years at TCS. A strong bond is developed, strengthened by shared common experiences on outdoor education trips, advisor group meetings, and individual conferences.  Middle School Miscellany The Middle School day begins with advisor group meetings on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays with faculty advisors who are responsible for overseeing the academic, physical, and social development of their advisees. On Tuesday and Thursday mornings, the entire Middle School gathers for a morning meeting to begin the day with announcements. Student leaders lead the Middle School morning meetings. Students in the Middle School are required to take a minimum of five academic classes including courses in English, math, history, science, and a language. In addition, students are engaged in a variety of vital subjects: physical education, computer, art, music, and drama. In Grade Six, students may opt to begin the study of Spanish instead of French, and in the Seventh Grade, most students add Latin to their course of study. Academic subjects are rated A, B, C, D, F and I, and effort ratings range from 1 to 4 with 4 being the highest. The Middle School year is divided into trimesters for core academic classes. Full written reports on all academic subjects are prepared and reviewed with students at the end of each trimester. These reports along with grades and effort ratings are sent home to parents. In addition to the trimester reports, interim grades and efforts are assessed and mailed home. During the transitional Fifth Grade year, students receive written evaluations only. The Country School places special importance on each student's progress relative to him or herself; as such, effort and achievement are recognized by special commendation from the Head of School when a student is placed on the Effort List and Academic List.