It’s not easy being the new kid in school, especially when you’re the youngest. A Stockbridge High schooler sitting in classrooms could possibly be 12 years old. Principal Richard Cook thinks that having brought the 8th graders into the high school has accelerated the maturing process, they have a lot of energy but are a respectful group of students.

“The 8th graders being here makes things a little harder having more kids to keep track of,” said Cook. With nearly 585 students in the school, there are a few problems to be expected, yet the upperclassmen and 8th graders get along well, according to Student Services Secretary Sandi Kay.

“I like being in the high school; it’s a good experience,” 8th grader Bella Trevisan said. “It’s what I expected just more people.”

While administrators feel it’s a good idea for the transition, upperclassmen feel differently. Junior Artem Jessop said, “I understand why they are here, but there are too many people and there are more chances of [8th graders] getting bullied.”

“They don’t affect my learning as much as they do distract me from my work, but I don’t think they should be here because I feel like they have to take a big step in maturing before entering the high
school,” adds Jessop.

Science teacher Diane Brooks likes teaching with the 8th graders in the high school. She admits that she was afraid at first, but now likes it. Brooks didn’t like the idea of 8th grade girls “being around upperclassmen because they are easy targets.” When Brooks sees [8th graders] in the hall, they seem happy and enjoy walking the halls with upperclassmen.

“However, we do need to be more on top of our surroundings,” according to secretary Kay.