Beyond the Classroom

CDS believes some of the best learning happens outside the classroom. Eagerly anticipated, the Middle School class trips have traditionally been a highlight of the school year. Each grade level trip is carefully and purposely designed to provide our students with a safe, rewarding, and positive experience that builds on the curriculum and expands students’ horizons. In addition to making connections between their classroom learning and the world around them, these trips also allow students the opportunity to bond as a class, gain independence, and create lifelong memories. All of the overnight grade level trips include a service as action component.

Middle School FLEX Program

Middle school is a wonderful time for exploration and discovery, and students are encouraged to try something new.  From Model UN, Math Counts, and Art Club, the Middle School FLEX (Flexible Learning EXperiences) Program offers something for everyone.  FLEX activities meet before school, during lunch, and after school. Below you will find a chart of morning and afternoon academic help and enrichment sessions, along with a host of clubs and organizations to pique your child's interest. Participation in clubs and activities can enhance the students’ quality of life. Being active in a club is an excellent way for students to become more involved in their CDS community, develop leadership skills, enrich their academic experience, and participate in service opportunities. These opportunities are all free of charge unless they win a competition that requires further registration fees and travel.

Children who are not picked up promptly by 3:30 after an activity, will be directed to the middle school study hall located in the lounge until their ride home arrives. 

Each quarter options may change slightly due to various schedule and duty changes, along with interest levels.  Any changes will be announced on Schoology and in Thursday Folder.

In addition to the programs listed on the FLEX Menu, students will be able to sign up to be involved in Student Council committees. Qualified 8th graders can apply for membership in the Patriot Society and a number of honor societies.

FLEX SCHEDULE

Middle School Clubs

CDS ascribes to the requirements of the International Baccalaureate programmes for students to be involved in extracurricular activities.  This requirement takes seriously the importance of life outside the world of scholarship and provides a valuable counterbalance to academic studies. 

Student clubs are formed as  a result of student interest and initiative.  Most clubs meet weekly and while some are sustained over the years, others vary based on student interest.  Anyone wishing to initiate a club must secure a faculty advisor and approval from either the Student Advisory Board or Student Council (depending on the nature and meeting time).  All clubs have a faculty sponsor, but the responsibility of organizing and planning meetings and activities lies with the student leader(s).

There are four categories of clubs in the middle school:

• Governing Boards promote the concerns interests, needs, and welfare of the student body.
• Honor Societies recognize students who excel academically or as leaders among their peers,
• General Clubs are faculty sponsored programs that are open to all students.
• Leadership Society is an invite only opportunity for students.

MIDDLE SCHOOL CLUBS