Kids nervous or unsure about starting middle school have a chance this year to get a “sneak peek” of life in middle school.
Summer is well underway, but it’s never too early for parents to start thinking about the new school year — especially if their child is making the jump this September from fifth grade at their local elementary school to sixth grade at one of the township’s two middle schools.
Luckily, kids who might be nervous or unsure about starting middle school will once again have a chance this year to get a “sneak peek” of the world at Marlton or DeMasi Middle with the Evesham Township School District’s annual “6th Grade Survivor Camp.”
Now in its fifth year, the camp originally began as the creation of a DeMasi Middle School teacher, with the event then shifting and expanding to a district-run event in 2015.
For a cost of $120 per student, this year’s camp will once again provide kids making the transition to middle school in September with a four-day preview of middle school structures and routines that can help them as they start sixth grade.
Students will focus on topics such as learning the layout of their new school, how to pick electives, how to open combination lockers, reviewing schedules, using an agenda book, how to make new friends and more.
With the help of middle school teachers, students will have the chance to learn about the organization, problem-solving and study skills needed to make a successful middle school student.
“The district is happy to again be offering this summer opportunity for any family interested in having their incoming sixth-grade student participate in the camp at their new school,” said Danielle Magulick, the district’s director of curriculum. “Our middle school teachers that run the camp are excited to work with the students and give them a preview of what they’ll experience as they transition to middle school.”
This year’s camp will run for four consecutive days starting Monday, Aug. 20, and ending Thursday, Aug. 23.
Students can choose to enroll in either a morning session from 9 a.m. to noon or an afternoon session from 1 to 4 p.m., with sessions located at the middle school the student will begin attending in September.
To download a registration form for this year’s event, visit the ETSD website at www.evesham.k12.nj.us.
According to district officials, space is limited, and enrollment will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Registration forms and checks for this year’s camp must be returned to the ETSD’s Administration Building by July 31.
Students must provide their own transportation, snacks and drinks while at the camp sessions.
Those with additional registration questions can contact curriculum secretary Susan Kaplan at kaplans@evesham.k12.nj.us or (856) 983–1800, ext. 5056.
Parents are also encouraged to consider all summer commitments their children may have, as once placement is confirmed, reimbursements will not be processed.
