A Day in the Life of a Middle Schooler

Last semester, nearly 20 teachers and administrators participated in our Shadow a Student Program. This program, held every other year in the Middle School, allows teachers, administrators and staff to follow a 6th, 7th or 8th grader for one full day, attending each of the student's classes and other activities. The Shadow Day helps participants more deeply understand the middle school experience while gaining appreciation for their colleagues and seeing our students in a variety of new contexts.

“Shadowing a student for the whole day has many benefits, including getting to know that particular student better, gaining insights and empathy for all middle school students, and absorbing some phenomenal professional development while observing other teachers,” said Assistant Athletic Director Stephanie Kyser, who participated in the program for the second time. “I loved seeing all of the students get so excited and animated for Ms. McKinney-Stokes' mock trial in her history class! I'm continually inspired by our colleagues!”

Read below for additional staff reflections on their Shadow a Student experience.

“I personally chose to participate in the Shadow a Student Program to deepen my understanding of the middle school experience, as well as to practice the skill of empathy. It can be very easy, as an educator, to have high expectations for students and forget the lived realities they face every single moment of each day. The Shadow a Student Program really strengthened my understanding for the ups and downs that is Middle School. From engaging, collaborative classrooms to buzzing social interactions, students are constantly "on" from the moment they step on campus to the minute they leave! The day was a strong reminder for me of the power of slowing down, that is, offering students a moment of silence and solitude amongst the fast-paced environment. I continue to reflect on ways to ensure my seminar classes balance quiet, individual reflection time and energizing collaboration, to help students of all learning types feel included and able to participate! Our kids are strong, bright and kind, and our teachers continue to provide meaningful, rich learning experiences, no matter the subject!”
—Nicole Aggarwal, Equity & Community Engagement Associate

“As someone involved in both middle school and upper school, as well as in school operations, I constantly strive to understand the day-to-day lives of students to better serve as an educator. Shadowing in the middle school provided me with a glimpse into the exciting, fun, yet busy and sometimes stressful days of our students. My biggest takeaway from this experience is how well-rounded, ambitious, and impressive our student body truly is!”
—Molly Callaway, Sustainability and Innovation Specialist

“I am so appreciative of the opportunity to see the school from the perspective of a student. It's a good reminder of how much we ask of them, how much they rise to the occasion, and how darn cute and funny they are. Because I speak with prospective families on a daily basis about what our school is like, I appreciate having firsthand examples of Kent Denver's outstanding approach to teaching and learning, as well as insights into our community. Our middle school is full of joy, and the energy is contagious.”
—Miya Dickman ’94, Director of Middle School Admission

“The Shadow a Student Program in the Middle School is an opportunity that is not to be missed! I participated last time it was offered, two years ago, and loved my experience! So naturally, I was excited to participate again this year! Last time, I shadowed an 8th grader; this year, I shadowed a 7th grader. Perhaps next time I'll shadow a 6th grader and get the whole Middle School experience! The unique aspect this time around was that my student had one crossover class in the high school. It was informative to learn how they and their teachers navigate the schedule since it does not line up perfectly to accommodate that. It was an added challenge for sure, but one that this particular student was proactive in communicating about, and HUSTLED across campus!” 
—Stephanie Kyser, Assistant Athletic Director

“As the middle school counselor, students regularly share their experiences at school throughout the day—academically, socially, and emotionally. Having the opportunity to witness these experiences firsthand, rather than only hearing about them, I believed participating in the Shadow a Student program would provide a deeper understanding of students’ lived experiences, both as academic scholars and as whole children. 

Shadowing was an eye-opening experience that offered insight into how students view and manage their time and energy at Kent Denver School. I continue to be awed and inspired by the academic and emotional learning our faculty and staff provide to ensure an extraordinary educational experience for our students. From Ms. McKinney-Stokes’ rap battles in history class, to the small yet meaningful emotional lessons in Ms. Noblesala’s math class through shared positive affirmations, to Ms. Reidy’s powerful mindfulness practice in Spanish class—where students journal gratitude while practicing speaking and writing in Spanish—each moment was impactful. Through these experiences, I learned that students are not only gaining essential academic and emotional skills, but they are also navigating full, enriching days as they balance the many aspects of middle school life, both in and beyond the classroom.”
—Catherine Wheeler, Middle School Counselor