Taking the Next Step at Milton Hershey School
The end of another school year at Milton Hershey School does not just mark the Commencement celebration of the Class of 2022. This time period also marks a transition for fourth- and eighth-grade students as they prepare to take the next step in their journey at MHS by moving to Middle and Senior Division. For our youngest students in pre-K and kindergarten, this time of year also includes adventures and opportunities as they transition to new classrooms.
We talked with four of our Elementary and Middle Division students about their experiences, what they’re most excited about, and what they’ll miss most.
What are you most excited about going into first grade?
I’m really excited to meet my new teacher and I can’t wait to do more math. I learned a lot in kindergarten and I’m going to have even more fun next year. I’ll learn more about subtraction and that will be fun!
How have you grown in the last year?
I definitely got taller while I was in kindergarten. Also, I learned how to be nice to people, because I like it when people are nice to me. When I’m in first grade, I’m going to grow even more!
What do you want to do after you graduate from MHS?
When I grow up, I want to be a singer and a dancer. I want to come back to MHS to perform for the students, staff, and houseparents to say thank you for all they did for me.
What are you most excited about transitioning to Middle Division?
Amyrah: I’m most excited about meeting new friends, teachers, and houseparents. I’m going to miss everyone I’ve met in Elementary Division, but I know I’ll gain new connections next year, too.
Ameruh: I can’t wait to join new clubs and to have new privileges. I’m excited to go to Hersheypark more and to be able to make more memories with my sister and friends.
How have you grown while in Elementary Division?
Amyrah: I learned how to be nice to people, even when they’re not nice to me. I plan on using this skill when I go to Middle Division.
Ameruh: This year, I started to think more before I spoke, and I think that’s a really important skill I learned.
What will you miss the most about Elementary Division?
Amyrah: I’m going to miss my teachers, houseparents, and all of the friends I’ve made. I’ve learned a lot in Elementary Division, but when I get to Middle Division, I’ll learn even more, which is exciting.
Ameruh: When I move to Middle Division, I’m going to miss my houseparents who I’ve grown really close to. They’ve been really kind to me, and I’m grateful I know them.
What are you most excited about transitioning to Senior Division?
Middle Division wasn’t always easy, but I’ve had a lot of “ah-ha” moments, and I’m excited to put what I’ve learned in those moments to action in high school. I like to meet new people, which I’ll be doing a lot of in Senior Division.
How have you grown while in Middle Division?
I’ve learned the importance of having a support system and how to work towards my own definition of success. The skills I’ve gained in middle school will only develop further in high school.
What will you miss the most about Middle Division?
I’ll miss my teachers and the administrators the most. Mrs. Valoczki and Mrs. Pearson, the MHS Middle Division Principals, have worked hard to engage with students, and I’m going to miss their support. I know that I’ll carry the relationships I’ve gained with my teachers and peers, but it’ll be hard to not see them everyday.