5th and 6th graders visit Broadalbin-Perth Middle School as part of planned reorganization

This week, fifth- and sixth-grade students visited Broadalbin-Perth Middle School as part of a transition plan designed to help students feel more comfortable and connected to the secondary campus, as both cohorts will move up from the elementary school at the end of this year.

The visit supports the district’s return to a true middle school model, beginning in September 2026. Under the plan, students in grades 6-8 will learn together at the middle school, helping strengthen academic and social learning opportunities. Last year, district leaders spent several months conducting research and gathering community input before moving forward with the transition.

During the field trip, students toured the building, learned about programs and opportunities available at the middle school, visited with eighth-grade members of the National Junior Honor Society, and spent time becoming familiar with the spaces that will support them as they move through their academic journey.

“We want our incoming students to feel comfortable and excited about the transition,” said BPMS Principal Kristina Marshall. “Our eighth graders did a wonderful job leading conversations about schedules, grades, sports, clubs, lunch, and other aspects of middle school life, and they really helped reassure the younger students. The fifth and sixth graders were so thoughtful and enthusiastic, and we can’t wait to welcome them to the middle school in the fall.”

The visit is part of the district’s broader goal of making the transition to middle school welcoming and positive for students and their families. Marshall said that she and the middle school counselors will visit the elementary school later this month to answer student-submitted questions and continue supporting students as they prepare for a smooth, positive transition to middle school.