Watch Out Cougars, Here Come The Grizzlies

Greysen Hayvaz, one of Griffin School's graduating 8th Grade class, is headed to Capital High School in the Fall.
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By Leslie Merchant
Doug Anderson, Assistant Principal at Griffin School

“Prepared, Organized, Focused, Ready.” These are a few of the words used by Griffin School’s 8th Grade Graduates, who will be entering Capital High School in the fall.  While most middle school kids are counting down the days to summer vacation, these 8th Graders are fervently counting the ways they will continue their academic experiences.  Leaving the cocoon that has been home base during their tender years will be a conundrum of sorts.  Feelings of accomplishment, security, being the “big kids,” wrestle with thoughts of the unknown, the uncertainty and the unfamiliar.  Families can rest assured, however, that Griffin has given its’ 8th Graders a unique collection of tools they can use to successfully navigate Capital High School.

Griffin School is unique.  Tucked into rural Thurston County, on the edge of Mason County, the school is the only K-8 program in the area.  While more than 600 students attend the school, Griffin families are loyal to the ‘small community school’ atmosphere that a K-8 school offers.

Griffin’s staff has judiciously paved the road from this small protective community to the large realm of high school.  “The Eighth Grade teachers truly get these kids,” says Doug Anderson, Assistant Principal of Griffin School.

He should know, as he is just completing his 11th year on staff.  Anderson began his Griffin career as a Kindergarten teacher in 2001 and became Assistant Principal in 2005. He taught many of the 2012 graduates, and he has perceptively watched them grow and mature through the years.

Greysen Hayvaz, one of Griffin School's graduating 8th Grade class, is headed to Capital High School in the Fall.

It is this continuity of staff, the combined resources of an Elementary and Middle School team, and the relationships that develop throughout the years that make this school extraordinary.

Academics aside, middle school is not an easy time for most youth.  The physical and emotional changes that take place can be overwhelming.  A nurturing supportive environment during these critical years is key to ensuring academic and personal success.  Mentoring programs abound at Griffin between middle school and elementary students and staff.  “Students solve the problems of other students and even teachers can access the resource as well.”

Working as a team, “the teachers know and understand the styles, deficiencies, and strengths of all the kids,” says Anderson.  This whole child environment provides plenty of opportunity to stand out in other areas, such as sports and the arts.  Anderson explains that, “kids can shine because there is less competition in athletics and other extracurricular areas.”

The transition to Capital High School has already begun with a “field trip” to Capital and a personal visit from several recent graduates. The field trip to the Capital campus is an ongoing tradition that gives the incoming class an opportunity to meet with a link crew (current students) and get a hands-on tour of their new digs. The presentation by this year’s graduates is a new program begun specifically to give the incoming class a vision of their futures and the possibilities that accompany a high school diploma. Anderson proudly explains that Griffin students have historically boosted academic scores at Capital.

Griffin School 8th Grade Graduate, Hallie Schmidt

Haille Schmidt, one of Griffin’s all around shining stars, is already gearing up for Capital.  “I am sad but excited (to leave) because Griffin has given me a great experience and I know that I am ready to go,” she explains.  This remarkable young woman already recognizes that being challenged brings out her best, and she plans to join Capital’s International Baccalaureate (IB) program.  Language Arts and Algebra have been her strengths and she points out that her teachers deserve the credit for her spectacular foundation.  Schmidt explains that, “(Griffin) is small so it gives kids an advantage.  It meets individual students needs instead of just passing them along.  We are more like a family.” Schmidt’s passion is drama, and she hopes to join Capital’s theater program in the fall.

Another of Griffin’s graduating superstars is Greysen Hayvaz, who has been at Griffin since kindergarten.  Hayvaz is sincere when talking about his school experiences.  He says, “(My) teachers got me focused early on what path I want to follow.  Griffin helped us learn beyond just the state (requirements), with my Language Arts teacher, Mr. Harvey, preparing us two years in advance.”  Hayvaz cherishes his middle school times, with a band trip to Disneyland being the highlight.  He is emphatic when he says, “Mrs. Sagerser (the music teacher) is amazing.”  Hayvaz’s plans include advanced studies in biology and geometry, with golf and baseball to round things out.

Jake Crawford looks forward to attending Capital High School in the Fall after being enrolled at Griffin School since kindergarten.

Jake Crawford is another of Griffin’s faithful champions, also a student at Griffin since Kindergarten.  After a brief stint at Nova School in 6th Grade, he eagerly returned to Griffin in 7thGrade.  Crawford explains that he prefers the “feeling of family at Griffin, so I came back.”  Crawford feels like Capital, “will be an extension of the good feeling that is here.”  He also plans to take advantage of Capital’s IB program and as many sports as possible.

Leaving Griffin will be bittersweet, but the staff and students know it is time.  With a solid academic and emotional foundation to build upon, these 8th graders are prepared, organized, focused and ready.  Watch out Capital, because Griffin’s 2012 Grizzlies are coming!

 

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