This page is specifically for current 6th grade students and families. Here you will find information about the programs and opportunites we offer to help make the transition to 7th grade as smooth as possible. We update this page as new information becomes available, so check back often!
We have a tradition of holding an ice cream social for our new 7th graders the evening before the first day of school. All of the 7th grade teachers will be there, and students have the opportunity to go into the building. It's a great opportunity to ask any last minute questions, reconnect with classmates and friends, and get some of the first day jitters out of the way!
The ice cream social is held in the cafeteria at Frontier.
Every year, we organize a Step Up Day with all four district elementary schools. On Step Up Day, all current in-district 6th grade students come to Frontier to tour the school, meet their teachers, and learn about the clubs and activities that are offered.
School Choice students who have confirmed their spots are eligible to attend Step-Up Day as well. School Choice families will receive an invitation for Step-Up Day in early April with details about how to attend.
All current 6th grade families are invited to 6th Grade Families Night. The program is held in the Frontier Library Media Center. Families will have the opportunity to hear from the Principal, 7th grade teachers, and the 7th grade school counselor. They will also have an opportunity to take a tour of the school and see where their students will be.
6th Grade Families Night: 2/5/25 6:00pm - 8:00pm
If you weren't able to make it, please take a look at these resources:
This welcome video was made by Frontier students and features interviews with 7th grade teachers and students.
Guidance Presentation - Scheduling
This is a copy of the presentation given by the 7th grade school counsleor, Kelsey Cropp. Please reach out to her directly if you have any questions.
7th Grade Quick Facts
There are approximately 110 students in the current 7th grade.
Average class size is generally between 18-22 students.
Classrooms in the middle school are grouped close together.
There are middle school teacher team meetings twice a week.
The middle school is substantially separate from the high school.
Each middle school student will be issued a Chromebook that they will be able to store at school or bring home.
Click this button for information about the school choice application or how to register your newly accepted school choice student.
Choosing classes for 7th grade is one of the most exciting and potentially confusing parts of the transition to middle school. The resources below can help guide you through the process. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions, and make sure you come to 6th Grade Families Night for more in-depth information about how the middle school schedule works.
All students have four core classes that run the full year:
English
Science
Social Studies
Math
There is an Advanced Math 7 option. Students are placed in Advanced Math 7 based on teacher recommendation and 6th grade test scores. There is room for discussion about students joining Advanced Math 8 without having taken Advanced Math 7. There are also opportunities for students to join advanced math classes in high school, regardless of middle school courses taken.
Every student at Frontier has a summer reading assignment. Click the link to the left to view the 2025 summer assignment for 7th & 8th grades.
Exploratory courses or "exploratories" refer to the courses offered during the two short periods of the day. These include art and music offerings, some required classes like Health and PE, and other oppotunities for middle school students to explore subjects that they will be able to study in more depth in high school.
Support classes are also offered during the short periods, which must be taken into consideration when choosing exploratories.
This 15 minute video explains how to fill out the Exploratory Choice Sheet on PowerSchool and what the different options mean.
Descriptions of all the exploratory courses offered for both 7th & 8th grades.
The document version of the PowerSchool form. If you are a more visual person or are having trouble keeping track of the exploratory units, it may be helpful to use this form as a reference worksheet.
Frontier is well-known for our excellent athletics program. Information will be sent out over the summer about sports registration for incoming students. Please note that a current physical is required for participation.
Fall Sports: Football, Soccer, Girls Volleyball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Golf
Winter Sports: Basketball, Indoor Track, Wrestling
Spring Sports: Baseball, Boys Volleyball, Softball, Track, Tennis
Check the Frontier Athletics homepage for more information.
For questions, please contact our Athletic Director, Glenn Sullivan: glenn.sullivan@frsu38.org
Students currently attending one of the four district elementary schools will have the opportunity to visit Frontier in May for Step-Up Day. They will also have an opportunity to come for the Ice Cream Social the day before their first day of 7th grade.
We are not able to offer individual tours or shadow days for in-district students. We encourage you to bring your student to events at Frontier that are open to the public, such as theater productions and athletic events. These are good opportunities for students to become more familiar with the building and see the kinds of programs they could be involved with.
Out-of-District students who have confirmed their enrollment by May are welcome to come to Step-Up Day if they are able. They also have the opportunity to come to the Ice Cream Social the day before the first day of 7th grade.
Click the button for more information on school visit opportunities for school choice students.
Guidance Office 413-665-2673
Mary Lapinski
Guidance Dept. Administrative Assistant
Ms. Lapinski handles all things enrollment and registration related.
She is an excllent person to ask general questions, and can often help with paperwork and logistics. If you're not sure who you need to speak with, start with Ms. Lapinski.
Kelsey Cropp
School Counselor
Ms. Cropp is one of the three school counselors at Frontier. She will be the counselor for the 7th grade class in 2025 and will follow them to 8th grade in 2026.
She is a good person to ask more specific questions about a special circumstance or concern.
