Building Belonging: Community in Middle School

Community is at the heart of who we are and what we do at Oakhill. It’s something that can be felt the moment you walk in the door, by the recognitions received, such as being named KC’s Kindest School, voted a KC Favorite year after year, along with receiving the distinction of Best in the Northland. But even more so, it’s found in everyday moments, both small and big. Recently, while walking guests to the gym for an event, a visitor who had never been to Oakhill before remarked, “Everyone is just so welcoming here.” Comments like that affirm what we work hard to create each and every day. 

While a strong, whole school community feel is important, building community within Middle School is just as essential. The middle school years are a time of tremendous growth and change, and it can be easy for students to feel disconnected or wonder where they fit in. Because of this we intentionally create opportunities and experiences that help students feel known, valued and like they truly belong.

Middle School students start and end each day in homeroom. Homeroom serves as a space for the things that don’t fit neatly into the academic schedule. Students participate in social-emotional lessons, building executive functioning skills, check grades, update planners, practice test-taking strategies and so much more. Throughout the year, homerooms participate in different challenges and earn points towards the Middle School Match-up. Activities for the Match-up include a boat building exercise, with the ultimate goal of keeping the boat afloat while carrying a person across the pool at the Gladstone Community Center. There’s a pumpkin decorating contest in the fall, and the winning pumpkin is voted on by Intermediate students. Spirit week participation and door decor are also ways to earn points. At the end of the year, the winning homeroom celebrates with a special lunch and extra break time. 

As noted, building community within classes is important, but creating connections across levels is equally valuable. Each Friday, students participate in a Community Scramble, where they are “scrambled” into mixed-grade groups. During this time, they take part in team building activities that allow them to get to know students from other grades, strengthening relationships across the division. It’s a dollop of fun mixed with a splash of community. 

In a world where people often feel increasingly disconnected, our goal is for every middle school student at Oakhill to feel like they are a part of something meaningful. Creating a strong sense of community helps students feel supported, confident, and ready to grow during these important years of their development.