In 2023, with renovation in the works, the Harold and high school buildings both took on a new form. Harold School became the ninth grade building welcoming some new incomers that also included those eighth graders who had just graduated from middle school. The high school then held only grades 10-12.
Middle schoolers were split between West Hempfield Middle School and Wendover Middle School. The class of 2027 (our now juniors) were the ginnypigs or testers for this new adjustment. Now Harold School has been our freshmen building for three years and has been running quite smoothly.
Freshman, Maxx Pavarnik, gives us a glimpse into the pros of a ninth grade building, saying that “I, and most of the people in Harold, like it. It’s very nice because most of us know each other, and there is less chaos.” Maxx explains how he enjoys the transition into high school surrounded by only his grade level. This concept is one that will be included in the new construction plans with a ninth grade academy being constructed within the high school building.
On the other hand, freshman Parker Whalen feels that while “mostly everything runs smoothly, dismissal is a bit chaotic.” He feels discarded by the high school commenting that “we are going to be in the high school for 10th grade anyway, why not make room for 9th [now]?” This struggle is not uncommon for students who are involved in sports and activities that include grades 10-12 and who want to be integrated into the high school building. Hopefully, with new construction on its way, this option becomes possible soon.
As a whole, students had more pros than cons:
Pros:
-Being with the whole freshman class
-Big school with small amount of students
-Teachers are nice and helpful
-Easy transition
-Being included in most High school events (games, pep rallies)
-Mystery Motivator
-Dances for freshman
-Meeting new people from the other middle schools
-Carrying around backpacks
-Carrying around phones (Lunch, Study Hall, Hallways)
-Feel connected and comfortable with peers
Cons:
-It’s an old building
-Only projectors in the classroom
-Building is wearing down
-Dismissal is chaotic
-Some feel discarded by high school even though they are in high school
While Harold is flourishing in many ways, the high school students, teachers, and administration must work to keep them included as much as possible. These students have expressed that they enjoy Harold, but they are indeed isolated from most high school activities and events. Not middle school; not 10-12, but rather, stuck in the middle, and we must make sure they feel like they are indeed one of us.