Mrs. Buckmaster's Class

This week, we had the pleasure of having two of our former classmates visit us at school.  Callie W. and Gareth H. were both in my class for three years in a row (you’d think they’d had enough of me!), and they gave up some of their free time to come talk to my class and tell them what it’s REALLY like in sixth grade.

Gareth in fifth grade

Gareth now attends The Academy at Lincoln, a magnet school that is very close to Peeler.  Many Peeler students end up going to Lincoln because there is a strong performing arts emphasis there.  Peeler is also a performing arts magnet school, so our students generally do well at Lincoln.  Gareth stopped by on his way to school on Tuesday with his mom, and they stayed through Morning Meeting.  He got to sit in the “Hot Seat” and tell the class about his experience since leaving Peeler.  He told about what it’s like to change classes, get grades (we are on a non-graded system at Peeler), and have more freedom.  He also told about the music scene: there are a lot more instruments offered at Lincoln.  Gareth played violin at Peeler, but has switched to viola at Lincoln.  He was very positive about his experience so far, and the class really enjoyed listening to him talk about middle school.

Callie talking to our class

Callie came to spend Wednesday morning with our class.  She is attending the Triad Math and Science Academy which is a charter school in Greensboro.  Charter schools have their own schedules, and Wednesday was a teacher work day for their school.  Instead of loafing around on the couch at home, Callie got up early, put on her school uniform so we could see it, and showed up bright and cheery at Peeler at 7:45!  She brought along some of her school stuff so she could show the class.  During Morning Meeting, Callie described her middle school experience so far.  There were lots of differences between her school and Gareth’s.  For one thing, Lincoln doesn’t require uniforms, but TMSA does.  Callie explained that she really didn’t mind the uniforms so much (in her words, “You can always accessorize!”).  She doesn’t have performing arts classes, but she takes Turkish class and will be going to Turkey twice this year for the Turkish Olympiad.  One of my favorite things that she said was, “Listen to this lady [pointing at me] because the stuff she teaches you will be sooooo helpful in middle school.”  Honestly, I didn’t put her up to that.

Gareth and Callie were excellent students, and now they are treasured friends.  I am so thankful that they took their time to come see us.  I hope they come back soon.

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