In recognition of this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the Middle School gathered in the Great Hall on January 12, to celebrate the accomplishments of Dr. King and other civil rights leaders. A number of seventh graders volunteered to share their thoughts during morning meeting and offer personal reflections about the significance of the day as well as read excerpts from Dr. King’s sermon, “The Drum Major Instinct.” 

Before returning to the Great Hall later in the afternoon, students met in small groups to discuss questions and related readings that were assigned to each grade. The discussion topics were developed by seventh grade students under the guidance and direction of seventh grade humanities teachers Justine Pilkington and Paul Friedman, and they were based on the humanities theme for the year—diversity. Several spokespeople from each grade then enthusiastically presented their thoughts and ideas from the discussions held throughout the day. In order to make certain that all voices were heard, the presentation of group discussions continued during the extended morning meeting on Wednesday, January 17.