Being part of a preschool-8th grade school has so many benefits. Multi-age connections are more than heartwarming; they are essential.
At Westside, our preschool through 8th grade model fosters deep connections, meaningful mentorship, and a true sense of belonging. Nearly every day, I encounter older students greeting their younger buddies as they greet each other in the hallway or out at recess. One of the most distinctive benefits of our PS-8th grade program is the numerous opportunities for multi-grade activities that take place throughout the year, strengthening relationships between younger and older students while reinforcing our strong sense of community.
From our monthly Wolfpack gatherings to our reading buddies program, students regularly interact across grade levels, learning from one another in both academic and social settings. These intentional connections provide younger students with role models as they grow within our school, while older students develop leadership skills, empathy, and a greater sense of responsibility.
In life and work, we all interact across age groups. Our multi-age relationships in learning environments mirror this reality and set students up for success later in life.
Earlier this year, second graders created math problems to share with their kindergarten friends. Third graders stopped by the preschool to showcase their recycled instruments. Just last week, second graders invited pre-kindergarteners to the lunchroom for a lesson on growing salmon eggs.
Most recently, our middle school Mandarin classes embraced this spirit of cross-grade collaboration in celebration of the Lunar New Year. In a reflection of the traditional family visits that mark this holiday, each middle school grade spent time with younger students, participating in cultural activities that deepened their understanding of the holiday and strengthened their bonds as a learning community.
- 8th grade visited Preschool, Kindergarten, and 4th grade
- 7th grade visited Kindergarten, 1st, and 4th grade
- 6th grade visited 2nd and 3rd grade
- 5th grade visited Preschool and 3rd grade
Through activities like these, our students experience the joy of learning together, forming connections that last long after they leave Westside. These interactions not only enrich their academic experience but also cultivate confidence, compassion, and a strong sense of community.
By the time students graduate from Westside, they have grown within a nurturing environment where they are known, supported, and empowered. They have played the role of both mentee and mentor, carrying with them the values of leadership, kindness, and inclusivity.