‘Make a New Friend Week’ at KMS

***image1***The first week of school can be scary for any middle school student. But take into account that more than 50 percent of the Kaiserslautern Middle School students are new to the school this year, and you need an intervention. 

The administration designated the first week as “Make a New Friend Week.” Students were encouraged throughout the week that if they saw a student sitting alone, they should go to them and make a new friend.

“For a middle schooler, the school cafeteria can be the most intimidating place on campus,” said Principal Susan Hargis.  “When I monitor the cafeteria during lunch, it’s not just to serve as a school disciplinarian; it’s to see how the students are doing socially and emotionally. Sitting by oneself can be a lonely experience that can ultimately affect how well a student is able to learn for the rest of the day.”

For military students who frequently transition to new schools, it’s not just that they have the fear of fitting in and making new friends, but they also miss the comfort of the friends they left behind at their sponsor’s last assignment.

According to Dr. Hargis, the most important lesson a student learns in middle school is who they are and of what they are capable. A friend often acts as a reflection of a student’s happiness, sorrow and ability to achieve. Making friends at KMS is just as important as any subject taught or lesson learned. 

“KMS is a friendly place because our friends complete us and make us better students,” Dr. Hargis said.

(Courtesy of Kaiserslautern Middle School)