Using “Head, Heart and Hand” was the theme for Polk County Middle School’s 2016 Jump Start program. During Aug. 8-12, 116 rising sixth-eighth grade students came together to meet teachers and participate in math, science, history, and ELA activities. Rising sixth graders also enjoyed learning about the middle school team teaching model, meeting new friends from local elementary schools and becoming familiar with the layout of the school.

On Wednesday, students met with grade level guidance counselors who shared information regarding study skills, organizational strategies, and conflict resolution methods. Dr. Basil Savitsky, prevention coordinator, and Sgt. Jesse Smith, PCMS School Resource Officer visited each grade level on Thursday and discussed building solid goals for the year.

During this presentation, students discussed how their goals met the needs of the head, heart and hand and how all three connected in the relationships they develop and in the decisions they make in middle school. The week concluded with a culminating team building activity as faculty and Wolverine students went tubing on the Green River.

– article submitted by Nikki Honeycutt