June 4, 2026,

Dear Middle School Families,

The suddenness of school ending and the accompanying sounds no longer coming from spaces both inside and outside of the school building is too drastic for me as I sit in the middle of our Lazarus Courtyard on this gorgeous day. The quiet is peaceful and welcoming simply because it is, and not because school is out. Over the years, I have learned to savor all seasons of the school year, regardless of how hectic or still they may be. I hope your time away from the daily school routine has begun well and that your summer includes plenty of time to rest, refresh and reset.

There are many healthy, productive ways for middle-schoolers to spend their summer months. I want to share some suggestions that come from years of listening to parents describe what has positively impacted their children, learning from fellow educators and from my own experiences working with kids in the summer. They are simple and widely recognized, but they bear repeating as you look ahead to the coming weeks. I do not doubt they are already on your checklists!

• Getting outdoors as much as possible – to experience nature or simply to hang out and “play” with friends – is an excellent place to start.
• Unplugging from devices and social media, whether alone or with friends, is a no-brainer.
• Communicating directly and face-to-face with peers develops social skills and helps children develop relationships.
• Participating in camps, whether local or out-of-town, also provides constructive opportunities for children to discover new hobbies and cultivate existing ones.
• I also encourage activities that challenge them creatively and practically, such as playing an instrument, cooking or learning hands-on skills while helping with home projects.
• Making progress on a difficult task gives them a genuine sense of accomplishment, something tangible they can refer back to when they face future challenges.
• Most of all, they should spend as much time as possible reading; few things are more thought-provoking than a good book.
• It is also entirely okay for kids to be bored every now and then… sometimes, having absolutely nothing to do is exactly what they need to rest their minds and figure out what they want to do next.

Grades and Comments

Fourth quarter, final grades and advisor comments will be posted and available for viewing under reports at noon on Friday, June 5, in the MySchoolApp.

2026-27 Math Information

For rising 7th-graders, the traditional course is Pre-Algebra B. You will receive an email from Katie Castle by Friday, June 5, if your child has been recommended for a different course.

For rising 8th-graders who took Pre-Algebra B in 7th grade, there are two possible courses in 8th grade: Algebra 1 and Integrated Algebra A. You will receive an email from Katie Castle by June 5 if your children have been recommended for the Integrated Algebra course.

To schedule a meeting with our administrative team or me, please reply to this email to contact Lori Robison-Embry in the middle school office. Lori will direct your request to the best person to help address your specific needs.

Next week, I will send another update containing supply lists, dress code guidelines, fall field trip costs and important calendar dates.

Enjoy the weekend!

Shaka Arnold

Head of Middle School

arnolds@columbusacademy.org