Middle School Highlights – August 10, 2025
Middle School Highlights – August 10, 2025 | Important Details for the Start of School
Important Calendar Dates
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 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
This newsletter includes important calendar updates and grade-specific information to help you prepare for the start of school. Throughout the year, please stay connected with the middle school through CompassNet and our weekly Middle School Highlights newsletter, linked in Friday’s Hawk’s Eye View and Sunday’s CompassConnection.
With just a few days until the new school year begins, I wanted to share key details to support your planning for the first days and beyond.
Orientation - Middle School Orientation on Tuesday, August 12 will be held by grade level. Attendance is encouraged for both 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 a parent and must be in uniform dress.
Fall Overnight Retreats - We’re excited to kick off the year with our Fall Grade-Level Overnight Retreats!
Please review the waivers, itineraries, and packing lists linked at the bottom of this message. These include a rafting participation form for 7th graders.
Forms & Deadlines:
- All waivers must be submitted to the Middle School Office before the first day of school.
- You may scan and email them to: halll@hardingacademy.us
- Or bring printed copies to Orientation.
- Medical forms were due in Magnus by August 1.
- Medications must be delivered directly to the school nurse by 3:00 PM on August 12.
- A nurse will be available at Orientation to receive medications.
- Please note: The Middle School Office may not accept any medications.
If you do not want your child to participate in the off-campus retreat, please email:
msoffice@hardingacademy.us as soon as possible. Please be aware that students who do not attend the retreat must stay home, as there will be no alternate programming at school during the trip.
msoffice@hardingacademy.us as soon as possible. Please be aware that students who do not attend the retreat must stay home, as there will be no alternate programming at school during 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 ends at 3:20 PM. At that time, students will be dismissed to after-school activities or to the depot for carline (hook-up).
We kindly ask that middle school parents do not enter the hook-up line before 3:20 PM, as you may be asked to circle back around. By that time, Lower School dismissal will largely be complete, and the number of middle school students being picked up will be minimal—so wait times should be short.
Please ensure your hook-up number is clearly displayed to help dismissal run smoothly.
Any students remaining after hook-up ends (approximately 3:30 PM) will be directed 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.
Planned Absence? Please use this Google Form to alert your student's teachers of any upcoming absences from school. Thank you!
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 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 their PE uniforms for PE classes.
Sixth graders should arrive at school wearing their PE clothes every day, except on Late Start Wednesdays. They have PE during first period on all days except LSW and will change into their regular school uniform after class.
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