Step Up Day prepares fourth graders for move to middle school

With less than two weeks left in the school year, fourth graders from Barrett Elementary and Park Elementary received a glimpse of what next year holds in store for them through the district's annual Step Up Day.

The fourth graders gathered at the middle school to learn a bit about what they can expect as they make the transition to fifth grade. The students were welcomed by middle school principal Mr. Clay Stone and middle school guidance counselor Mr. Dylan O'Neill, who provided a run-through of what it's like to now be in middle school. Mr. Stone and Mr. O'Neill talked about the daily schedule, some of the activities and extracurriculars available, and multiple other topics. Students were also able to ask questions.

Current middle school students who are part of Ms. Erin Noblet's Student Government group led the fourth graders on a tour, showing them to their future classrooms, introducing them to some of the special classes they'll be able to take, and even meeting a few teachers.

After the tour concluded, the fourth graders gathered at Griffin Field for some fun activities that also helped build new friendships. Students from Barrett and Park worked together to run various relay races, go through team-building activities, and play spirited games of kickball.

Step Up Day is one of the resources Steel Valley uses every year to connect Barrett and Park students in order to help them come together and make as smooth of a transition as possible to the middle school experience. This year, fourth graders also enjoyed a joint STEM day sponsored by Bayer and the Best of the Batch Foundation. Both schools will also take part in a field day on Friday, May 17.

Check out more photos from Step Up Day in our gallery.