Middle School Highlights – August 3, 2025
Important Details for the Start of School
August 8 - Schedules available on CompassNet 4:00 PM
August 12 - Sixth Grade Orientation in Theater 12:15 PM - in Uniform
August 12 - Seventh Grade Orientation in Theater 1:15 PM - in Uniform
August 12 - Eighth Grade Orientation in Theater 2:15 PM - in Uniform
August 13 - First day of classes - NO LATE START Regular Middle School Hook-Up at 3:20 PM
August 19-21 - Grade 8 Retreat to Barefoot Republic (KY)
August 20-22 - Grade 7 Retreat to Camp NaCoMe (TN)
August 22 - Grade 6 Community Day
August 22 - Grade 8 Service Day
August 26 - Grade 8 High School Parent Meeting 6:00 PM
August 26 - 8th Grade Parent Reception immediately following High School meeting
August 28 - Grade 8 Individual Pictures
August 29 - Grade 7 to Rafting at NOC - Ocoee Outpost
September 1 - NO CLASSES Labor Day
September 2 - Middle School Back to School Night 6:00 PM
September 5 - Grade 6 and 7 Individual Pictures
September 12 - Begin scheduling P/T conferences
Welcome to the second edition of the 2025-2026 weekly middle school newsletter. Within the middle school newsletter, you will find important calendar information, as well as specific news about each grade. Please stay connected to the middle school during the year through CompassNet and our weekly “Middle School Highlights” newsletter linked at the bottom of Friday’s Hawk’s Eye View and Sunday's CompassConnection.
With just over 10 days remaining until we kick off the new school year, I wanted to take a moment to share some important information as you plan for the opening days and beyond.
Orientation - Middle School orientation on Tuesday, August 12 will be by grade level. Orientation is encouraged for students and parents. Each session will begin in the theater. Sixth Grade 12:15-1:00 PM; Seventh Grade 1:15-2:00 PM; Eighth Grade 2:15-3:00 PM. Students should attend with parents and must be in uniform dress.
Fall Overnight Retreats - We are excited for our Fall Grade Level Overnight Retreats. Please see important waivers, itineraries, and packing list linked at the bottom of this message, including a rafting participation for 7th graders. Return these waivers to the middle school office prior to the first day of school. You may scan and email them to halll@hardingacademy.us or bring hard copies to Orientation. ALL MEDICAL forms must have been submitted into Magnus by Aug. 1st and MEDICINES must be delivered directly to the Nurse by 3:00 PM, August 12th. Please note that a nurse will be at a table during orientation, ready to receive any medications. The Middle School Office MAY NOT receive medication. If for any reason you do not want your child to participate in these off campus activities, please contact the middle school office at msoffice@hardingacademy.us as soon as possible. Please note that if your child does not participate, there is no program at school for them. The child must stay home for the period of the trip.
August 22 - Grade 6 Community Day Refugee Simulation and Adventure Park
August 20-22 - Grade 7 Retreat to Camp NaCoMe (TN)
August 19-21 - Grade 8 Retreat to Barefoot Republic (KY)
Middle School Dismissal - The last academic class will end at 3:20 PM. At this time students will be dismissed to after school activities or to the depot for hook-up. We suggest middle school parents do not enter the hook-up before 3:20 PM or you may be asked to drive around. There should be little-to-no wait at this time as most of the Lower School hook-up will be finished and the middle school will not have many students for the 3:20 PM hook-up. Please have your hook-up numbers clearly displayed to facilitate dismissal. Following the end of hook-up at approximately 3:30 PM, all remaining students will be asked to go to study hall
After School Study Hall - After school study hall will begin on Wednesday, August 13 and run daily Monday-Friday, from 3:30-6:00 PM. Upon arrival to pick up, you should call the study hall number (615) 387-6322. Your child will be dismissed to the front of the middle school.
Summer Math and Reading - Links to the Summer Math and Reading requirements are also included below. Please be sure to put the finishing touches on all reading and math assignments before school begins. See the link below to access the Summer Portal directly.
School Photos - 8th Grade individual pictures: Pictures for the yearbook will be taken on Thursday, August 28th. A specific schedule will be sent out prior to August 22nd. Please dress professionally and use your best judgment for your 8th grade yearbook portrait - shoes, slacks, a solid-colored button down shirt with a jacket and tie, pants suit, dress; no mini-skirts, spaghetti strap tops, or anything similar that is revealing. If you have a question about attire, contact the middle school office at msoffice@hardingacademy.us. Pictures for sixth and seventh grade students will be on Friday, September 5th. Picture dress for grades 6 and 7 will be their regular school uniform.
Physical Education - Students will change into PE uniform for PE classes. Sixth graders should come to school in their PE clothes each day except for Late Start Wednesday. They will have PE first period each day except for LSW. They will change into their school uniform after PE.
See you soon!!
Go Hawks!!
Jay Codispoti
Sixth Grade Trip to Adventure Park
Seventh Grade Retreat to Camp NaCoMe (TN)
Eighth Grade Retreat to Barefoot Republic (KY)
Inspiring The Mind • Nurturing The Spirit