Spirits soar at Millstone middle school

'Intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the true goal of education."

JEFF GRANIT staff Millstone Township Middle School Vice Principal Matt Howell emerges from his office to meet and greet students Sept. 4, the first day of the new school year. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s words rang in the start of a new school year at the Millstone Township Middle School. The quote set the theme of the welcome-back-to-school assembly presented by Principal Michelle Vella and Assistant Principal Matthew Howell in the Performing Arts Center.

The administrators encouraged all students in grades 6-8 to REACH this school year, meaning to focus on Respect, Environment, Attitude, Courtesy and Honesty.

"The REACH partnership is dedicated to empowering children as they become responsible, mature young adults and continuing members of the community," Howell said. "Through a collaboration of students, staff and the community, we create an environment that cultivates the core values of character education to be practiced in our daily lives."

JEFF GRANIT staff Millstone Township Middle School Vice Principal Matt Howell helps a student with her locker assignment during the first day of class Sept. 4. Respect will be the unifying theme of all lessons taught throughout the year, Howell said. He told students to respect their teachers and peers as well as the school building.

"You have a beautiful building that the community has provided you with here," Howell said. "You must uphold your end of the bargain."

He continued, "You have the ability to make this school one of the best in the country. Your teachers will work to make that happen. Respect them by putting forth a full effort everyday."

Students learned that teachers will recognize their random acts of kindness throughout the year with "Terrific Tickets," which will give students a chance to win prizes in a weekly drawing.

The school has also scheduled spirit days throughout the year, which will focus on revving the student body up for charity work and community service projects such as raising money for families affected by cancer.

Students will also get an opportunity to create a school song.

"We will have a contest to develop the school's alma mater," Vella said. "It would be quite something to hear students 50 years from now singing a song that you wrote."

Vella told students that they have unlimited potential and that they should keep their eyes wide open to all of the possibilities that the world has to offer.

"Education opens you to new ideas, ways of seeing things and new opportunities," she said.

The principal explained to students that school is about their attention and ambitions.

"School is exactly what you make of it," she said, adding that those open to new experiences will truly enjoy themselves.

"Your development is in your hands," Vella said. "You will decide whether to take those journeys and you will decide what you want and what you will do to get it."

She encouraged students to build friendships and a place for themselves in the school community by participating in school activities like sports, theater, chorus and mock trial.

Sixth-grader Nikki Pappas, 11, said she looks forward to all of the opportunities

her new school will provide.

"I'm excited about helping people with cancer by raising money for them through our math-a-thon and about our school trying to win an award for best school in the country," Nikki said.

She continued, "I'm really happy to be in Millstone. It's such a nice place."

Sixth-grader Abby Shroud, 11, said, "This is a wonderful school. It's fun. It's organized. It's high on spirit and really into projects that kids can feel good about doing."

Abby continued, "I look forward to having the best time of my life here."