Middle School Block: Where Curiosity Takes Shape

On a recent Thursday morning, a group of Middle School students were thinking about something they might not encounter in a traditional classroom: personal banking. As they learned about checking and savings accounts, they also considered how access to banking and financial resources can differ depending on a person’s socioeconomic circumstances. The lesson, which is part of Amy Jaffe and Marie Maillet’s Life Skills Block, offered an opportunity to build practical knowledge while developing empathy and a broader understanding of the experiences of others.

That approach to learning is central to Poly’s Middle School Block program. Every Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., students step away from their regular classes for an extended period designed to offer experiences that do not always fit neatly into the academic curriculum.

“Block is a long-standing Middle School program designed to offer students something different from our academic curriculum,” says Middle School Director Pat Gray. “It is also a prime time on the schedule to take students into the community to do some community engagement.”

Some Blocks are designed around a teacher’s particular passion or interest, while others have become mainstays of the program. The format also gives students a change of pace from regular classes that include assessments and homework.

“Block is time where students get to participate and do things that don't always necessarily fit neatly in the academic program, but are still essential for the learning and growth of young people,” says Middle School Dean of Students Mychal Johnson.

The program evolves as students move through Middle School. Sixth-graders rotate through six-week sessions that include podcasting, debate, creative expression, Outdoor Education, and community engagement. Seventh-graders have experiences such as gardening, cooking, and real-world diplomacy. By eighth grade, students have more choices forBlock, including yearbook, newspaper, American Sign Language, music, hiking, rewilding, and working with Lower School students.

The variety is intentional. Block gives students opportunities to explore interests, develop new skills, and engage with their community in ways that a traditional class period may not allow. That opportunity is particularly meaningful during the Middle School years.

“Middle School age is a time where students are starting to create their own understanding of the world and developing more independence,” Mychal says. “It's really important to let them try things and experience a wide range of things as they start to think about who they are themselves.”

Life Skills offers one example of how that philosophy translates into everyday learning. Along with banking and personal finance, students will learn how to do laundry, make personal phone calls, and cook nutritious meals. 

For Mychal, that range of experiences can help students discover interests that stay with them.

“Block gives them a wide range of experiences that will hopefully allow them to attach themselves to something they care more deeply about,” he says. “They can move forward in high school with some passion.”