Middle School Students In the Lead

Unity, inclusivity, and organizing aren’t buzzwords typically associated with middle school.

But students at Woodland Star Charter School had the chance to push past stereotypes of teenage cliques and screen-centric isolation and embrace collaboration at a recent middle school retreat, funded through SVEF’s Classroom Grants program.

Sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders traveled together to the Clem Miller Environmental Center at Pt. Reyes National Seashore for three days of connection through team-building activities, nature exploration and play.

The expedition served as a launchpad for the school’s new student government. Breakout sessions based on student officer roles and committee assignments spawned creative ideas across grade levels.

Being out in nature and away from routine settings made a difference. Groups gathered around big picnic tables, slouched in bean bag chairs in the main hall, and clustered in a meadow. Hikes and beach time gave the students time to think and interact in new ways.

“I think the different environment gave us a different attitude towards people. The fact that the whole reason we were there was just to work all together, versus going to school where we might just have one period to talk, that really helped,” said Kyle, a seventh grader.

Collaboration skills were put to the test immediately as students organized their own work groups for serving food and cleanup. They also teamed up to create short skits performed on the closing night of the trip.

Autonomy was the rule of the day, with teachers taking a back seat as the students helped each other keep discussions on track.

“There were teachers there, but they weren’t micromanaging us,” said seventh-grader Jade. “We got to make our own decisions.” 

When the students returned to campus, they put plans they’d hatched into action to host a successful school dance.  Even more importantly, the spirit of togetherness and collaboration has carried over from the trip.

 Seventh-grader Kaelyn said, “If I see someone looking bored or not knowing what to do, I’ll go over and ask, ‘Hey, do you want to talk about it?’ I try to include people more.”

Conflict saturates our culture, but these young people are discovering there’s power in connection. Thanks to SVEF supporters, Sonoma students are learning leadership skills and discovering their potential. 

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