A View from the Middle
Welcome to A View from the Middle by Corinna Crafton, Head of Middle School, a blog featuring interesting educational observations and commentary.
![Service Energizes Community During Pandemic]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1594348245/wardlaw/vp6us6nixsomyj8dyvvn/MS_Blog_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1594348245/wardlaw/vp6us6nixsomyj8dyvvn/MS_Blog_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1594348245/wardlaw/vp6us6nixsomyj8dyvvn/MS_Blog_1.jpg","width":774}])
Corinna Crafton
A pillar of our Middle School program is service to and learning from others. Churchill’s words are especially appropriate when we consider the many ways our students serve and learn within and beyond the W+H community.
![Community, Cooperation, Collective Good: Look for the Helpers]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1594348986/wardlaw/w3bp4ljf9ohhfrzl0swv/MS_Blog_3_April_2020.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1594348986/wardlaw/w3bp4ljf9ohhfrzl0swv/MS_Blog_3_April_2020.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1594348986/wardlaw/w3bp4ljf9ohhfrzl0swv/MS_Blog_3_April_2020.jpg","width":611}])
Corinna Crafton
We tell our children and each other that there are silver linings to be found amidst adversity. Our current struggle is a mighty one, the adversary powerful and ruthless. Yet, this war, too, shall pass.
![Inclusivity Comes with Challenges in Young Adolescents]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1594349221/wardlaw/wv9iyvuy8ya13f8eyzrf/MS_March_Blog_2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1594349221/wardlaw/wv9iyvuy8ya13f8eyzrf/MS_March_Blog_2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1594349221/wardlaw/wv9iyvuy8ya13f8eyzrf/MS_March_Blog_2.jpg","width":774}])
Corinna Crafton
Middle school-aged students crave two things seemingly to be at odds with each other. They want ardently to be seen as and recognized as individuals yet fear being perceived as different.
![Life’s Greatest Challenges Require Rigorous Inquiry]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1594349464/wardlaw/nqa9dho2idi8lz1wslhz/Corinna_Podium_2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1594349464/wardlaw/nqa9dho2idi8lz1wslhz/Corinna_Podium_2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1594349464/wardlaw/nqa9dho2idi8lz1wslhz/Corinna_Podium_2.jpg","width":750}])
Corinna Crafton
Today’s Middle School blog marks a departure from my past approaches. I have enjoyed sharing highlights and developments regarding a particular aspect of the important work we do in Middle School.
![A Student's Perspective on Global Engagement]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1594349624/wardlaw/mgxhtrts0on2xfwekopb/MS_Dec_Blog_2.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1594349624/wardlaw/mgxhtrts0on2xfwekopb/MS_Dec_Blog_2.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1594349624/wardlaw/mgxhtrts0on2xfwekopb/MS_Dec_Blog_2.jpg","width":774}])
Corinna Crafton
It is my privilege to share this month’s blog with a member of our Student Government and Publications team this year. Ms. Oluwagbemisola “Gbemi” Olarewaju ’24 is a leader of our Student Government group and writes about the ways our students demonstrate global engagement through
![Onward, Pioneers! Chipping Away at 10,000 Hours]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1594349790/wardlaw/wadi5p861tky69qoi4ix/Angela_PD_Day.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1594349790/wardlaw/wadi5p861tky69qoi4ix/Angela_PD_Day.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1594349790/wardlaw/wadi5p861tky69qoi4ix/Angela_PD_Day.jpg","width":762}])
Corinna Crafton
Last Monday, teachers and administrators took part in workshops across a wide range of teaching and learning topics including: developing digital portfolios of student work, enhancing our culturally responsive and inclusive curriculum...
![Unplug and Talk, Unwind and Walk]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1594348680/wardlaw/x3ggljqvjtitz2nxkigq/MS_Blog_Sept_1Thumb.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1594348680/wardlaw/x3ggljqvjtitz2nxkigq/MS_Blog_Sept_1Thumb.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1594348680/wardlaw/x3ggljqvjtitz2nxkigq/MS_Blog_Sept_1Thumb.jpg","width":774}])
Corinna Crafton
The start of a new school year is both exciting and extremely busy. At one of our faculty meetings in late August, I asked that we remember how important it is to unplug and talk, unwind and walk. This is perhaps easier advised than accomplished.
![Middle Schoolers Embrace Collaborative Spirit]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1594350128/wardlaw/fuqxuw6bdsu3qnibcw5d/MS_Blog_1.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1594350128/wardlaw/fuqxuw6bdsu3qnibcw5d/MS_Blog_1.png","width":266}])
Corinna Crafton
How can you possibly read Shakespeare with Middle Schoolers? They’re so young and immature.
I have heard that comment and others like it for years.
![Celebrating An Alumna Who Embodies Importance of Rigorous Inquiry]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1594350306/wardlaw/hbf2fqi6k1doeoz9wbpi/Jackie_Sibblies.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1594350306/wardlaw/hbf2fqi6k1doeoz9wbpi/Jackie_Sibblies.png","width":311}])
Corinna Crafton
Pictured to the right is Jacquelin Sibblies Drury, Wardlaw+Hartridge graduate, Class of 1999. While a student here, “Jackie” was encouraged to delve deeply into complex and controversial issues.