Hawken Middle School Retreats, Reflects, and Relaxes...Together

Sixth grade students began their retreat by watching the movie "Brave" as it connects to their essential question: How do my words and actions reveal my character? This discussion continued on day two with a morning sharing of family photos and personal poetry, as well as collaborative activities such as making music with plastic cups and ice skating. Their final day wrapped up with a discussion of the Dr. Seuss story "The Sneetches," the creation of a sixth grade banner that connects to Hawken's four core values, and culminated with a large group opportunity to experience folk dancing and clogging.

Seventh grade students spent a full week exploring University Circle together, truly making Cleveland their classroom for the week. The week included working with UC partners like the Western Reserve Historical Society to explore the 7th grade essential question: How can I work to understand the perspective of others? Students studied the topic of immigration and even acted out the stories of those who came to our city with a dream. Students also continued their stewardship of the American Colonial Garden, explored the area on bikes, tie dyed advisory shirts, and even had time to play Ultimate Frisbee with Case Western students. For the 7th grade, this week not only served as a time for collaboration, but also a time to more fully explore our University Circle home at the Gries Center.

Eighth grade students worked to step out of their collective comfort zones by heading south to Camp Lazarus near Columbus, Ohio. Focused on team building and service learning, eighth graders tried and thrived at a survival skills course, team building initiatives, and a high ropes challenge. By connecting with and to their advisories and pushing themselves and their peers beyond what they thought possible, students are now more than ready to tackle their essential question: How can I make a difference in the global community?

Amidst all the "new," Hawken Middle School students found time to retreat, reflect on their experiences and connections within our community, and relax together. Taking the time at the start of the year to step back is essential to paving the way for a succesful school year and future. Our students are now connected, and with those connections, ready to tackle any challenge with confidence and care.