Students from each elementary school in the Wantagh School District take a short field trip to Wantagh Middle School each June to help ease the nerves sure to come over them when September rolls around.

One by one, students hopped off of their bus welcomed by a receiving line of current middle school student ambassadors who would later escort the visiting students around in small groups. Also standing nearby at the entrance was Mr. Ciuffo and Ms. Quattrochi ready with fist bumps and joyful greetings for each student as they entered the building.

“Smile, be kind, and be welcoming to others,” shared Mr. Ciuffo, Principal of Wantagh Elementary School during his opening speech held in the cafeteria. “It’s the best way to make new friends.”

The tour included a quick visit to the cafeteria, game room, music department, library, and a few classrooms. Students then spent approximately 10 minutes with their assigned counselor who also shared some middle school tips.

Ms. Quattrochi asked students to share their excitement or lack of excitement in moving to the middle school with a “thumbs up, thumbs down, or mid-thumb. While the majority of the room held their thumbs up, there were a few mid-thumbs.

New to the incoming 6^th graders will be the first class of the day, and the shortest, is the Advisory class which is the best time of the day according to Mr Ciuffo. “We get to know each other, play some games, and help build relationships with students of all grades.”

The biggest change for incoming middle school students is and always will be the challenge of mastering locker locks, and figuring out which books to take or leave in between each bell. While 6^th graders are unable to play middle school sports until their 7^th grade year, the excitement grew when a list of all of the amazing clubs were announced, bringing smiles to faces throughout the room.

Please be sure to check the district calendar for the Middle School Orientation held late August.