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Middle school should be a place where every student has a place to first belong and to then become what he or she has the potential to be. So often, middle school has the reputation of only working on the belonging part (relationships, a place to fit in, valuing students and student voice, student centered schools) and somewhat ignoring becoming (academically prepared to be successful in the world, strong leaders, contributors to society). Middle schools do both. We do not ignore one for the other. Focusing only on becoming without giving strong attention to belonging does not help fully develop our students.
Dr. Laurie Barron, superintendent, Evergreen School District (Kalispell, Montana)