As the first term of the middle school system in Bermuda draws to a close, principals, teachers, and students in public education this week reflected on the changes and shared their views with The Royal Gazette 's Sarah Fuhrtz.

*** Although renovations to The Middle School at Sandys will not be completed until May of next year, students and teachers have vowed to stay focused and full of enthusiasm.

Encouraged by each other to strive for success, it was clear that both groups enjoyed the first term and were holding high hopes for the second.

"Generally the first term has gone along well,'' said principal Melvyn Bassett. "I am particularly impressed by the way our students have remained focused on their studies despite attending school on a virtual construction site.

"The students started the year very keen and excited about the new middle school experience. Now that it is December and they still feel the same way, is definitely a positive sign.'' Mr. Bassett added: "Bermuda has definitely moved in the right direction with this new system. The students are so excited about learning and about coming to school every day.

"Ninety nine percent of them will tell you that they like it here and are still enjoying their education.

"Coming from primary school where they were contained in one classroom all day, the students are really enjoying the opportunity to switch classes and rotate teachers.

"The middle school programme is so diverse and the students are exposed to so much more than they would have been.

"They take classes such as theatre, dance, Spanish, science, and design and technology.'' "Overall I am very proud of the students at Sandys,'' Mr. Bassett added.

"They have worked really well and seem enthusiastic to come back to school next term.'' Students `better behaved' in middle school Librarian Angela Salini, who also taught at the school last year, said what stood out the most this term was the "major change'' in student behaviour.

"I know we are dealing with younger students, but their behaviour is much much better than that of students from years past,'' Mrs. Salini stressed.

"Now the children are so eager and keen to learn and its good to know that they feel comfortable to come to the library during their free time.

"They love being here in this school and that makes for a better relationship between students and teachers. It also encourages them to stay focused on their education.'' And social studies teacher Darren Francis also expressed his satisfaction with the new middle school system.

"I agreed strongly with the entire concept of incorporating middle schools from the get go,'' Mr. Francis said. "It bridges the gap from primary school to high school, making it easier for students to adapt.

"The kids love it and they have a lot of positive energy which they are thankfully applying in the classrooms.

"They are still at the age when they look up to their teachers which is beneficial for everybody at the school.

"For all the construction and newness of the system, the term has gone great.

With team planning and team teaching the students are receiving a good education and having fun at the same time.'' Recollecting the term's events, including the school dance, science experiments, field trips, and football games, the students from The Middle School at Sandys made it clear that they were proud to be a part of the system.

And despite the daily construction going on nearby, they have been able to ignore the hammering and remain on top of studies.

The students realised the importance of an education and appreciated the opportunity to learn new subjects as well as to continue old favourites.

As many students pointed out, the middle school system is a fresh concept on the Island and therefore changes are ongoing.

But the 13 students interviewed by The Royal Gazette had more praises than criticisms for the reformed system.

"I like the fact that they chose to set up a new system,'' 11-year-old Shay-la Whitter said. "It is a big and better change. We are learning more subjects and making new friends from different schools.'' Unlike primary school, middle school students change both classrooms and teachers for each lesson.

Eleven-year-olds Samuel Fubler and Kentisha Tweed both agreed that class rotation was a definite advantage.

"Now we don't get bored because we can switch rooms for different subjects,'' Kentisha said."It makes us feel more like high school students than primary kids.'' Samuel added: "We can also talk to our friends in the hallway instead of doing it in class and getting into trouble and it gives us more variety.'' Middle school classes run for 40 minutes and even though the students feel that is long enough, many of them said they wanted more time for lunch and gym.

"I like most of my classes,'' said 13-year-old Setina Martin. "But I think lunch should be longer so everyone can get to know each other better. We also need more time to eat and talk at lunch.'' Sheroy Fubler, 12, added: "Gym should also be longer because we need more time to change into our P.E. clothes and by the time we get outside and start our sports it feels like it is time to come back in again.'' Changing schools means meeting different people and for The Middle School at Sandys students that aspect was welcomed.

"When I first started Sandys Middle School I only really knew the people from my primary school,'' said 12-year-old Tiffany Eatherley. "Now that I know everybody I can say that they are all very friendly.

"You can count on the students and tell them anything and because we're all friends we hardly ever get into fights.'' Twelve-year-olds Jahmel Mallory and Tamara Fubler were just as pleased about meeting new friends as they were about the new teachers.

"In West End Primary School we stayed with the same teacher for most of the day,'' explained Jahmel. "Now we can meet new ones. The teachers are also looking out for us and are making sure we get a good education in a safe environment.

"But, I don't think we need the security guards because nothing violent ever happens between the kids.'' Tamara added: "The teachers know how to make class fun and they really care about us.'' Dressed in maroon cardigans with matching ties and blazers, the students also considered their uniform as one of the term's best bargains.

"I like the maroon colour and that the girls can wear shorts in the summer and pants in the winter,'' said 11-year-old Tene Dowling. "It is a good change because now our legs don't get so cold.'' And Tarjae Furbert, 12, added: "Uniforms tell people what school you go to and they make us look smart. The Sandys uniform feels comfortable, but I think we should be able to wear boots.'' With construction workers cluttering the western end of the playing field, the students are looking forward to the day when they can roam the entire grounds.

Friends Damon Swan and Levi Robinson, both 11, said: "The field looks like a hurricane struck it. We can't wait until next year when the construction is finished and we can use the whole field to play football on.'' And Trevor Smith, 12, added: "I appreciate the fact that they are building a new school for us, but I don't like the field because we don't have enough room for sports. Next year, that will hopefully be better.'' Recognising that they were the first students to officially begin the path through The Middle School at Sandys and that their education was vitally important, the students said they were eager to continue their success next term.

Twelve-year-old Tiffany Rollins summed it up best when she said: "The students at Sandys have all tried our best this term, but next term we will do even better.''