Frequently Asked Questions
What is open gym? About twice a year the Middle School reserves the school gymnasium on a Friday afternoon from 3:00 – 5:15 pm in order to allow anyone in grades 5 through 8 to use the gym for pick-up games, or if the weather is nice, for soccer or touch football games on the fields. Although the Dean’s office and Middle School faculty provide supervision, Open Gym is designed as a free play activity. There is no charge for this activity; however, students do need to sign up in homeroom that morning so that we know how many students to expect. Pizza is provided free of charge as an afternoon snack.
Is a study hall offered? An afternoon study hall is available to all middle school students. It meets in the dining room from 3:00 to 5:15 pm. There is no additional charge for this study hall; however, students must sign up in the morning homeroom. This does not take the place of extra help since there is only one faculty member supervising. It is meant to be a quiet study time for students who wish to get their homework done before going home. It is also a time when students may make up academic work or take make up tests. A snack is provided at about 4 pm.
How do Middle School dances work? There are approximately four Middle School dances scheduled during the year. These dances are for only students in grade 6 through 8 who presently attend GSB. The dances take place in Evans Hall and are scheduled from 7 to 10 pm. The school provides the DJ and the faculty chaperones. The Middle School student government works with the Dean’s office to plan decorations and refreshments as well as to set dress code and entrance fee, if any. During lunch announcements, these decisions are announced usually a week ahead by the president of the student government.
How is the semi-formal dance different? Traditionally the winter Middle School dance has been designated as the Middle School Semi-Formal. The main difference between the semi-formal and the regular dances is the dress code. Boys are asked to wear jackets and ties, and girls are asked to wear dresses. These dresses should not be formal, but rather something they might wear to a family function like a bar mitzvah or confirmation. As with all other Middle School dances, only GSB students in grades 6 through 8 are allowed to attend and coming with a date is not appropriate. Sometimes the semi-formal is sponsored by an Upper School class as a fund raiser and a buffet dinner is provided. If this is the case an entrance fee is announced and students must sign up prior to the event.
Is there math help? Math Labs – The math department provides times before and after school for students who need a little extra help in math. This is meant to be small group review and does not take the place of tutoring for students needing it. The days and times for math labs are announced at the beginning of the year.
What about after-school clubs? Each year a number of Middle School faculty sponsor after school activities and clubs. Many of these clubs are formed based on student interests. During the first few weeks of the academic year, the Middle School office sends out a sheet listing all of the activities for that semester and the days on which they are scheduled to meet. Students sign up for an activity in morning homeroom the day they plan to attend.
