The Transition: Eighth Graders to Freshmen Class of 2014

On Sept. 1, Coolidge and Parker Middle School eighth graders will combine to create the Reading Memorial High School class of 2014. These students will go from being big fish in a little sea to little fish in a big sea when they make the transition, and many of them feel like they are ready to move on to bigger and better things.

Upcoming freshman Eric D'Agati expresses mixed emotions about the new school year.

"I'm excited that I'm not going to be in middle school anymore, but I'm nervous to go to the high school with all the other grades," D'Agati said.

He may have a little help adjusting. RMHS debuted a new program called "Upper Connector," which assigns each upcoming freshman to an upperclassman. The older students contact the freshmen over the summer and offer guidance and answers to any concerns.

"I got a postcard from an older student and he gave me his E-mail address and asked if I had any questions about high school," D'Agati said.

D'Agati is hoping to participate in the concert and marching bands at the high school and surround himself with new people and opportunities.

"I'm excited to branch out and meet new people," D'Agati said.

Another member of the class of 2014, Lizzy Gordon, said she's anxious to start.

"I'm excited and feel like I'm ready to get out of middle school, I'm also excited to play high school softball in the spring," Gordon said.