Middle School Highlights - July 13, 2025
Welcome to the first edition of the 2025–2026 weekly Middle School newsletter. Each Friday, “Middle School Highlights” will be sent as part of Harding’s Friday email communication. Within the newsletter, you will find important calendar information, as well as specific news about each grade. Please stay connected to the Middle School throughout the year via CompassNet and our weekly “Middle School Highlights,” linked at the bottom of Sunday’s CompassConnection.
With just over a month 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.
Be on the lookout for more details about the start of school in early August.
Until then, enjoy the rest of the summer!
All the best,
Go Hawks!
Jay Codispoti
Director of Middle School
Important Calendar Dates
Sixth Grade Orientation in Theater, 12:15 PM – in uniform
Seventh Grade Orientation in Theater, 1:15 PM – in uniform
Eighth Grade Orientation in Theater, 2:15 PM – in uniform
WEDNESDAY, August 13
First day of classes – NO LATE START
Regular Middle School Hook-Up at 3:20 PM
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 Refugee Simulation and Adventure Park
August 22 – Grade 8 Community Service Day
August 26 – Grade 8 High School Parent Meeting, 6:00 PM
August 28 – Grade 8 Individual Pictures
August 29 – Grade 7 Ocoee River Rafting Trip
September 1 – NO CLASSES – Labor Day
September 5 – Middle School Back to School Night, 6:00 PM
September 6 – Grade 6 and 7 Individual Pictures
September 13 – Begin scheduling P/T conferences
Middle School Preview Visits with Coach Embry
Coach Embry is available to show sixth grade families (or anyone else) around the Middle School before school starts. These informal visits allow students and parents to get familiar with a new space and ask any questions they may have. It’s also a chance to hear about both the philosophy and the daily routine, as well as get a few useful tips. You can schedule a time HERE. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Embry directly at embryj@hardingacademy.us.
Middle School Orientation
Middle School orientation on Tuesday, August 12 will be scheduled by grade level. Orientation is encouraged for both students and parents. Each session will begin in the Theater, then move to advisories. Students must be in uniform.
Sixth Grade: 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Seventh Grade: 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Eighth Grade: 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
Summer Math and Reading
Links to the summer math and reading requirements are included HERE. 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.
August 20 – 22 – Grade 7 Retreat to Camp NaCoMe (TN)
August 22 – Grade 6 Refugee Simulation and Adventure Park
August 22 – Grade 8 Community Service Day
August 26 – Grade 8 High School Parent Meeting, 6:00 PM
August 28 – Grade 8 Individual Pictures
August 29 – Grade 7 Ocoee River Rafting Trip
September 1 – NO CLASSES – Labor Day
September 5 – Middle School Back to School Night, 6:00 PM
September 6 – Grade 6 and 7 Individual Pictures
September 13 – Begin scheduling P/T conferences
Middle School Preview Visits with Coach Embry
Coach Embry is available to show sixth grade families (or anyone else) around the Middle School before school starts. These informal visits allow students and parents to get familiar with a new space and ask any questions they may have. It’s also a chance to hear about both the philosophy and the daily routine, as well as get a few useful tips. You can schedule a time HERE. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Embry directly at embryj@hardingacademy.us.
Middle School Orientation
Middle School orientation on Tuesday, August 12 will be scheduled by grade level. Orientation is encouraged for both students and parents. Each session will begin in the Theater, then move to advisories. Students must be in uniform.
Sixth Grade: 12:15 PM – 1:00 PM
Seventh Grade: 1:15 PM – 2:00 PM
Eighth Grade: 2:15 PM – 3:00 PM
Fall Overnight Retreats
We are excited to get back on the road again for our fall grade-level overnight retreats. Detailed itineraries and packing lists will be sent out in early August. For now, here are the dates:
We are excited to get back on the road again for our fall grade-level overnight retreats. Detailed itineraries and packing lists will be sent out in early August. For now, here are the dates:
August 19–21 – Grade 8 Retreat to Barefoot Republic (KY)
August 20–22 – Grade 7 Retreat to Camp NaCoMe (TN)
August 22 – Grade 6 Refugee Simulation and Adventure Park
August 20–22 – Grade 7 Retreat to Camp NaCoMe (TN)
August 22 – Grade 6 Refugee Simulation and Adventure Park
Summer Math and Reading
Links to the summer math and reading requirements are included HERE. 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.
Middle School Class Schedules
Class schedules will be available on August 8 for parent and student viewing on CompassNet. Sometimes students may be disappointed when they see a new class list for the first time, especially if they were hoping to be placed with certain friends. The schedule of classes for middle school may be changed once it is assigned to a student. Learning to handle new situations and work with different types of people is an important life skill that will serve each child well for many years.
Class schedules will be available on August 8 for parent and student viewing on CompassNet. Sometimes students may be disappointed when they see a new class list for the first time, especially if they were hoping to be placed with certain friends. The schedule of classes for middle school may be changed once it is assigned to a student. Learning to handle new situations and work with different types of people is an important life skill that will serve each child well for many years.
Be looking for more details about the start of school to follow in early August!
Inspiring The Mind • Nurturing The Spirit