Middle School

Homeroom is where Middle School girls begin and end their day. In the morning, attendance is taken and reminders are given about the daily schedule and any special events. Homeroom moderators welcome this opportunity to see the girls and speak to them informally, getting to know their personalities outside of the classroom. At the end of the day, moderators have another chance to talk to the girls, review the day, and give support when needed. The girls prepare for their afternoon activities, sharing their excitement and energy with classmates.

Each week TAG (Teachers and Girls) meets in small advisory groups (1 teacher: 5 students) to explore intentionally-focused discussion and activities focused on the CASEL framework of social awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision making, self management, and self-awareness. TAG Advisory is also a time for students to share a more personal touch point with a trusted adult in our community. The advisor is the main point of contact with parents and caregivers for any concerns regarding their daughter. 

The following clubs are offered during the one hour a cycle FLEX block for students in Grades 7 and 8. All students in Grades 5 and 6 undertake musical instrument instruction during the FLEX club block.

Cantilare
This dynamic singing group for students in Grades 7 and 8 focuses on elite, small group performance and fostering community through music. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, members work closely with Liturgical Dance to create powerful, expressive performances. In Cantilare, students enhance their vocal skills while building lasting connections with peers. Students in Cantilare also perform at special events both in and out of school.

Girl Up!
In the Girl Up! club, students learn about girls’ access to education in places outside of the United States. Determined to create a world in which all girls complete secondary school, Girl Up! members organize a fundraising event to support a Sacred Heart school in Uganda.

Liturgical Dance
This ensemble offers students the opportunity to experience dance as an inherent form of spiritual expression. Students explore dance through concrete and abstract movement discovery, including classical and contemporary dance techniques. They will investigate symbolic gestures, motifs, and metaphors that convey intention and prayer. Liturgical dancing will journey through poses, pathways, and spatial configurations that trace proportion, balance, and harmony. As a synergetic collective, liturgical dancers will derive joy and peace through their shared experience. The Liturgical Dance Ensemble participates in the Middle School Advent Vespers Prayer Service, spring Celebration of the Arts, school Masses, and Chapel services.

Shakespeare Club
Through fun and interactive activities, students in the Shakespeare club dive into famous plays, learn about Elizabethan theater, and bring characters to life through dramatic reading and performance! Whether you're a budding actor or just curious about Shakespeare’s timeless works, this club is a great space to develop your creativity and appreciation for classic literature. 

Goal III Book Club
Our Goal III Book Club is a welcoming space for students to engage with books that explore themes of equity, inclusion, and social change. Through reading, read-alouds, and open discussions, students will explore topics such as racial justice, gender equality, environmental stewardship, and more. This club aims to foster critical thinking, empathy, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. By sharing diverse stories and perspectives, we encourage students to build a sense of community and develop tools to become thoughtful, compassionate advocates for social justice.

Robotics Club
This club offers students hands-on activities and problem solving skills in the areas of science, computer coding, and engineering. Using Sphero robots, students learn the basics of robotics and engage in learning activities that inspire them and help to go beyond the classroom in certain topics. Through participation in the Robotics Club, students benefit through increased self-confidence and enhanced critical thinking, problem solving, and team building skills.

Math Club
Newton Country Day’s competitive Math Team, open to students in Grades 7 and 8, explores problems from the American Mathematics Competition (AMC 8) league. In this club, we work to solve problems in all areas of math ranging from probability, data science, proportional reasoning, geometry, spatial visualization, and everyday applications. The AMC exam, a 25 question multiple choice exam, takes place in January. 

Nutrition & Cooking Club 
This club offers students the opportunity to explore healthy eating habits, learn basic cooking skills, and understand the importance of balanced nutrition. In this hands-on club, students prepare simple, nutritious meals and snacks, discover new ingredients, and learn different cooking techniques. Through fun cooking activities, nutrition challenges, and group discussions, students gain practical knowledge about how food fuels the body, supports well-being, and can be both delicious and nutritious.

Digital Media Club
This club offers students a dynamic platform to express their creativity and share their voices with the community. Members of the club collaborate to produce a Middle School magazine, working as writers, editors, and designers. They explore a variety of topics, from student life and school events to arts, culture, and current affairs. The club provides hands-on experience in journalism, editing, and digital design, while fostering teamwork and honing communication skills. 

Twice a month the Middle School community gathers for We Belong! Assemblies to celebrate the diverse nature of our community. We highlight the various heritage months to educate our students about our differences and find common ground in our family’s histories. Our mission is to establish solidarity among all of our students.

Each class takes an overnight trip in May as a way to more deeply live Goal IV: the building of community as a Christian value. In Grades 5-7, girls travel to Camp Hazen in Chester, Connecticut or Camp Burgess Sandwich, Massachusetts to engage in three days of team building, climbing, and group problem-solving. The Grade 8 trip to Washington, D.C. completes the year’s study of American History.

The Middle School After-School program is available for all Middle School students until 5:30 p.m. each day. Students who take the Boston bus are supervised until bus departure. 

Each week students gather in chapel for a dedicated student-led service focused on developing a closer connection with Goal 1. Weekly chapel services are a time for promoting personal reflection, building community, and providing a space for students to explore themes of faith, compassion, and social responsibility. 

This program pairs Grade 8 students with younger Middle Schoolers to foster mentorship, friendship, and community. Through this program, students in Grade 8 serve as role models, offering guidance, support, and encouragement to their "little sisters" in Grades 5-7. This program strengthens bonds across grade levels and encourages leadership, empathy, and a sense of belonging within our school community.

During these weekly Friday lunch gatherings, members are empowered to explore topics of race, identity, and history. This is accomplished through hosting community meals, involving students in chapel and assemblies, creating art projects, and studying artists with diverse backgrounds.

With representatives from Grades 5 through 8, this body empowers elected students to take an active role in building a positive and inclusive Middle School community. Focused on leadership, collaboration, advocacy, and service, Student Government leaders plan events, organize community service projects, and represent their peers within the school community. 

These assembly periods occur two to three times a week and offer a dedicated time for students to meet individually with their classroom teachers for personalized support. During Student/Teacher assemblies, students can ask questions, review challenging material, and receive extra help tailored to their specific needs. Student/Teacher provides an outside of the classroom time for students to develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter while strengthening the teacher-student relationship. It's a valuable opportunity for students to advocate for their learning needs and take ownership of their learning.