Through Amy’s Eyes: Middle School: A Flashback and Flash Forward
Let’s face it, middle school isn’t easy. If you have ever said, “I wish I could return to middle school,” please email me. Stat. I am still traumatized by the fact that, in 7th grade, all of the girls in my class were asked to the school dance…except me. I remember falling into my mother’s arms weeping, “What’s wrong with me?”
For my neurotypical son, Jacob, socializing and building relationships were the easy part. He, on the other hand, struggled academically, especially in terms of executive function skills. His 7th grade year saw the rise of academic expectations and the quick decline of our relationship. In so many ways, Jacob and I are incredibly similar; yet, in terms of schoolwork, we are not. I never missed handing in an assignment; his were often crinkled at the bottom of his backpack. The mother of my classmate, Jared, would call my house to find out what homework we had because I was a more reliable source than her son. I, in turn, had to be sure to stay on top of my own child, who preferred videogames to word problems.
In middle school, even neurotypical students navigate a whirlwind of social pressures, academic demands, and emotional growth. For students with a broad range of learning disabilities, these challenges can be magnified. That’s why Gillen Brewer’s new middle school division is designed to be a supportive haven, where students will grow academically, socially, and emotionally as well as develop important self-advocacy skills.
What will distinguish Gillen Brewer’s Middle School, which will open this September, from other schools will be the expert educators (both teachers and therapists alike) who understand the nuanced needs of middle schoolers with learning disabilities, providing targeted and compassionate support; the personalized learning experiences crafted to meet each student’s unique academic, social, and emotional goals; and the collaborative partnership between school and home that will ensure that the skills that our students develop transcend the walls of the classroom.
A unique advantage for Gillen Brewer middle school students will be the fact there will be no high schoolers! That means our middle schoolers will be the leaders, which will foster confidence and responsibility in a safe and nurturing environment. Our focus will be on preparing our middle school students for high school and beyond, helping them develop the self-awareness and self-advocacy skills necessary to navigate the world.
Our middle school will have a vibrant tapestry of offerings: an interdisciplinary academic and arts curriculum, making learning relevant and engaging; a program that develops independent living skills from cooking to budgeting to navigating, fostering confidence and independence; and an individualized exmissions process, preparing the students for high school and future successes with dedicated guidance and support, ensuring a smooth and empowering transition. Gillen Brewer’s middle school division is more than just an expansion; it’s a testament to believing in the possibilities for students with learning disabilities.
Even though it has been some time since Jacob and I were each in middle school, the ghosts of our 12 year old selves still live in both of us. For example, we just were able to take a trip together for a few days.The nerd in me planned our itinerary with research and great intention; the social butterfly in Jacob connected with friends from across the globe and made new ones everywhere we went. Yes, middle school for both of us wasn’t so easy….but it probably wasn’t so bad either.
Amy Salomon is the Director of Middle School and Enrollment at The Gillen Brewer School. She has over 30 years of experience in independent schools and was, most recently, the founding Director College Guidance and Upper School Academic Dean at Mary McDowell Friends School. In addition to her work experience. Amy is the mother of a child with special needs as well as a neurotypical child who currently works in the music industry.