Incoming middle school students became acquainted with their new school at the sixth-grade back-to-school social on Aug. 22.

The annual welcome event helps to prepare students for their entry into middle school, familiarize them with the layout of the building and is an opportunity to catch up with classmates and seek new friendships for the upcoming academic year. The festive atmosphere was the backdrop for the PTSA-sponsored pizza, beverages and flavored ices served by parent volunteers.

Students were met by Principal Dr. Robert Neidig, who presented each of them a welcome gift of earbuds, which are a necessity for the school’s Google classroom features. Dr. Neidig then spoke about the independence that comes from being in middle school as well as the responsibilities, including cultivating the characteristics of good citizenship.

Assistant Principal Claudia Smith and numerous teachers were on hand to greet the students, who also toured the school, worked on opening their assigned lockers, picked up their school supplies and were given their class schedules.