The Transition from 7th to 8th Grade

A new school year has arrived with new goals, teachers, and fresh starts. Everyone has gone up a grade and the transition can be harsh. I asked some 8th graders to see how they’re doing with the new school year and the difference between the 7th and 8th grade.

What are your goals for this year?

Every year people make a new goal for themselves. Whether it’s about fitness, extracurriculars, or academics. Some students aim towards managing their time. For example, Natalya Lucas shares her goals to “balance after school extracurriculars along with school work especially being in eighth grade. The workload is definitely bigger”. A majority of students would agree with Natalya considering the amount of work put on them. However, some other students' goals are maintaining their mental health. For example Kyle Xu wants to make sure he doesn’t face burn out. Some other goals would be staying happy, gaining self confidence, etc. A common goal is getting good grades. Whether it's strengthening their weakest subject, getting all A’s, or having a better understanding of the material. Students start to take education more seriously especially because it is the last year of middle school. Also, in high school more honors classes open up.

How have the expectations from 7th to 8th grade teachers changed?

A major change in a new grade is the teacher's expectations. Since students are getting older, the expectation is for them to be more mature and responsible. I asked the question “how have the expectations from 7th to 8th grade changed?”. Eli Vance, an 8th student replied “a little bit cause you know, that’s just what happens when you move up a grade”. In the same interview the student mentions that some teachers have larger expectations than others. Natalya Lucas, another 8th grade student, spoke about the trust given to them. “Oh definitely. There is definitely a lot more independence that we were given like on the Salem trip”. Not only have the interviewed students felt this way but many more eighth graders have talked about the freedom or responsibility that comes in hand. I’ve asked many 8th graders about their view on the amount of responsibility being placed on their shoulders. Most seem to like it now as they have more freedom. However, students also need to learn to do as they ask and keep the trust between teachers and students. Kyle Xu mentioned, “I've learned to carry a lot more responsibility because of the workload I need to manage”. The teachers have given a warning to the students that the new year will be harsher than the last, in order to prepare them for high school. Another student expressed their concern on the new set of expectations set on them because of “the teachers are constantly reminding us about getting recommended into honors classes. Overall, the stress is higher”. Not only are students stressed about the grades but also making sure their grades are good enough to get them in some honors classes.

Which teachers inspire you and do you see yourself having a good relationship with any of them?

The change in grade isn’t the only change of the new school year but teachers too! Year after year the students surround themselves with new teachers. To many, this creates new bonds and more role models. Although it’s only the beginning of the 3rd month students already have found mentors. A handful have already found a teacher who seems to be a good role model for them. Kyle Xu shares his view on Ms. Sundstrum, describing her as one of his biggest mentors. Giving reasons as to why such as “she has a positive attitude even when she has a bad day. One of the most important things I learned from her is that even if I have a bad day, there will always be a next day. I should leave all that behind when I come into the classroom and just learn”. Ms. Salisbury, another 8th grade science teacher, seemed to be a role model for a few. Like Natalya Lucas who appreciates Ms. Salisbury’s ability to keep organized even when things get hectic. Some students haven’t found a role model since it’s only the 3rd month of school. However a handful of students find themselves a teacher to build a relationship with later in the year. An anonymous student stated “I don’t really look up to any because some don’t take the time to get to know you as an individual. But I can see myself having a good relationship with Ms. Tucker because she is really nice”. 

In conclusion we learn that the stakes are higher for grades and a few students have chosen teachers as their mentors. The transition from 7th to 8th grade can be harsh, but it seems that the current 8th graders are handling it well.