Somehow seventh graders magically transform into eighth graders over the summer. Ashley told me that because she is an eighth grader she is going to finish all her homework, not just some of it like last year!

Eighth graders rise to their leadership roles. One of the obvious ways is when they emcee assembly on Fridays. I love the regular features like "Phiona's Fun Fact of the Week." This year Jen and Lydia have conceived of a talk show to interview new students.

Eighth grade will expand the Oxfam Hunger Banquet to include all the grades this year. Then it will be more like the Empty Bowls night, when everyone in the school has made a bowl.

We have been accepted into the Challenge 20/20 program again this year. Sixth and seventh graders will collaborate with a school in NYC and one in Africa to solve global warming.