Dear Middle School Families,
Trimester 1 of the school year is in the books, and I’d be hard-pressed to find a better way to celebrate the creativity, curiosity, and engagement of our students than last night’s Learning Showcase. I came away grateful and affirmed: the students led the way, capturing the breadth and depth of our program, from applied mathematics in engineering and statistics, to reading and speaking in world languages, to embedding executive-functioning skills into science exploration and research, to the joy and imagination of our Dive and House programs. There are so many ways to be successful at Wellington, and I’m proud of how intentional we are about seeing every child and sparking their passion and curiosity (and I maintain that we are the only middle school with both a thriving student newspaper and a TV show).
That same energy and curiosity have been on full display across the middle school over the past month, as students have brought learning to life through projects, performances, experiments, and experiences that show what it means to learn by doing. Sixth graders are drafting mystery stories that weave together figurative language and the “Six Signposts for Fiction,” exploring how authors build suspense and meaning. In math, they’re comparing ratios, scaling recipes, and discovering how numbers tell stories about the real world, while in science, they’ve debated whether cars are living or nonliving and taken on the roles of “Cell Detectives,” investigating cellular structures under the microscope. Meanwhile, 5th graders are learning to read with intention and annotate like scholars, applying executive functioning skills across subjects to strengthen organization, independence, and self-reflection. In art, band, choir, and strings, creativity is equally alive as students prepare for upcoming winter performances and fill the halls with watercolor landscapes. Mrs. Magliery and I were honored to present each member of the 5th-grade orchestra with their “Bow Driver’s License,” a process that proved far more joyful and expedient than most other trips to the BMV.
Seventh graders brought their study of American history to life in Washington, D.C., Colonial Williamsburg, and Mount Vernon, where each monument and museum became an extension of the classroom. I was delighted to hear students exclaim, “I researched that for my essay!” as they shared connections between their research and the world before them – powerful reminders of what immersive, engaging learning looks like in action. Upon their return to campus, the Croft Commons was transformed into a Cherry Blossom installation that linked QR-coded essays and reflections capturing how their experiences deepened their understanding of democracy, leadership, and civic engagement. In Chicago, 8th graders immersed themselves in explorations of science, art, and culture at the Museum of Science and Industry, the Field Museum, the Art Institute, and a performance of “The Sound of Music.” Back at school, their curiosity and creativity continued to shine: in science, students applied data and motion concepts in Hot Wheels labs to explore acceleration and force; in social studies, they curated museum-style exhibits comparing ancient civilizations; in English, they examined the power of speculative fiction through Ray Bradbury’s “The Pedestrian” and other short stories, learning how authors use language to see the world in new ways; and in art, they translated their Chicago inspiration into ceramics, experimenting with color theory, glazing, and texture. Whether at home or away, our middle schoolers continue to show that learning at Wellington is active, reflective, and connected.
Beyond the classroom, our middle schoolers have continued to build community and push themselves as athletes and performers. Our Fall Sports Recognition highlighted the hard work and achievements of our soccer, girls’ tennis, golf, and cross-country teams, including the girls’ cross-country team completing a three-peat as MSL champions, while the boys placed second overall in the league (our school boasts some of the fastest students in the state and the slowest head of middle school). Winter sports are now underway, with basketball and swimming seasons beginning in earnest. In the performing arts, our musicians remain hard at work in preparation for upcoming winter concerts in the second week of December.
This week’s weather served as a (rather dramatic) reminder that ski season is just around the corner, and we’re excited for the return of Winter Wednesdays. In lieu of LEAP Days, middle school students will go skiing each Wednesday, beginning on January 14, 2026. Look for details in upcoming weekly newsletters regarding dates, registration, and permission forms.
As we head into Trimester 2, a few dates and reminders to keep on your radar:
- Friday, November 14 - 7-9 p.m. 6th Grade Social (at CSG)
- Friday, November 14 - 7:30-9:30 p.m. 7th and 8th Grade Dance (at Wellington)
- Friday, November 21 – 4 p.m. Trimester 1 Report Cards Post on Veracross
- November 24 - 28 - No school, Thanksgiving Break
- Monday, December 1 - First day back from Thanksgiving Break (Regular A-Day Schedule)
- Tuesday, December 2 - 6:30-8 p.m. Upper School Preview for Parents of 7th and 8th Graders (Upper School Commons)
As we look ahead, I am also grateful for the many ways our community comes together to strengthen our work. On Tuesday, November 18, we will celebrate The Wellington Fund Day of Giving, a day that reflects the care, commitment, and generosity that make our students' growth possible. Thank you for all that you do to partner with us in nurturing curiosity, confidence, and joy in our students every day.
With gratitude,
Louis