Welcome, ECFS families
Welcome 8th Graders and Families!
Welcome back! Please review the following information to help you prepare for the new school year ahead.
July 2026
Dear Families of the Class of 2031,
I hope you’re all doing well and enjoying the summer.
As I sit down to write this letter, I find myself thinking about the first day I met the Class of 2031 as 6th Graders. They were youngsters finding their way in a new building with many new peers, all new teachers, and a lot to quickly figure out.
As you have probably noticed, middle school is a time of change, and over the past two years I’ve watched your children grow. It’s been wonderful to witness them discover new interests, find their voices, develop a passion for learning, and make meaningful contributions to our school community. Throughout middle school, students move between confidence and doubt, success and disappointments, new friendships and new challenges. By 8th Grade, they have developed an even stronger sense of themselves, greater confidence, a clearer understanding of what they value most, and a deeper connection to the community around them.
Now, as the Class of 2031 moves on to its last year in middle school, I’m excited to see what lies ahead. 8th Grade is a year filled with opportunities, responsibilities, and some important milestones. It’s also an academic step up as students prepare for Upper School. They will be asked to think more deeply, write more critically, and manage their time more efficiently. The 8th Grade team and I are here to support them every step of the way.
Here are a few important reminders as we continue to partner together to support your child’s final year in Middle School:
Calendar
- Our first day of school is Thursday 9/10.
- Students who have signed up to be ambassadors for the 6th grade class need to attend the Ambassador Orientation on Tuesday 9/8 at 3:00pm, and be on campus on Wednesday 9/9 at 8:30am.
- Any student who applied to the PALS program will be notified via email either way in mid-late August.
Phones and Devices
Many students either don’t bring a phone to school or do an excellent job of immediately putting it in the phone lock box as soon as they arrive. We will continue to stress this expectation throughout 8th Grade so students can focus on learning and connecting with one another during the school day.
Organization and Planning
The increased demands on 8th Grade make organization and planning incredibly important. Encourage your child to use a calendar or planner to help them map out assignments, projects, assessments, activities, and other commitments. Looking ahead helps students manage stress and develop habits that will serve them well in eighth grade and beyond. Encourage your child to meet with teachers during study hall, during lunch, or before school whenever they have questions or need extra help. These skills will help them build confidence and strengthen their ability to advocate for themselves. Here is the link to the supply list for 8th Grade.
Locks and Lockers
One priority is to support students with their organization and preparedness for class. Using lockers is a key element in managing materials, keeping things safe, and supporting one’s back — rather than carrying backpacks from class to class each day. The school will provide locks for students, and we will help them learn to use them quickly so they use them daily. Please note that if the lock we are providing doesn’t seem like the right type for your child, feel free to buy a different type of lock instead. If you make this decision, your child will have to share their combination with their advisor.
Growing Independence
8th Grade is a year when students are encouraged to take on more responsibility. Whenever possible, encourage your child to solve problems, ask questions, and advocate for themselves before you step in. Learning to work through challenges on their own helps students build on their confidence and independence, while knowing they have many caring adults at school who are always ready to help.
As always, I am available to answer questions or offer support. Do not hesitate to reach out anytime (even before 9/10) if you have any questions or just want to check in. I’m best through email (dst-claire@ecfs.org).
Please give my warm wishes to your 8th Grader. I look forward to seeing everyone in September and sharing this important year with the Class of 2031.
Take care,
Debora St-Claire
Dean, Class of 2031 / English 8
she/her pronouns
Major Assignments Calendar
8th Grade Experience
Essential questions of an 8th Grader
In 8th Grade, the focus shifts toward encouraging students to think outside themselves and their school community and develop their understanding of their larger urban community and ability to affect change. In preparing students to transition to the Upper School, we build their sense of agency through the following essential questions:
- How do I function as a larger community, city, and society member?
- How do I understand the world, and how can I affect change within it?
- What skills will I need to be both an independent learner and a leader of positive change in the future?
8th Grade programming includes:
- As part of an end-of-year capstone project, each 8th Grade advisory partners with a non-profit organization to answer the essential question: how can we positively impact our communities? Each advisory works with an alum currently employed by that organization to see how the ECFS experience has impacted their professional trajectory and desire to give back to the greater community. Advisory groups meet with their alumni liaison either in person, on campus, and/or on Zoom, culminating with a mini-documentary highlighting their findings.
- Students also spend a day working with a local service organization in the city. In preparation for the types of opportunities they will have in the Upper School, students learn how service organizations benefit communities.
- Students are simultaneously presented with greater academic rigor and greater academic freedom with regard to elective choices. Skills such as organization, time management, and self-advocacy continue to be reinforced through programs such as advisory.
- Students participate in end-of-year events that prepare them for the transition to Upper School and highlight the importance of traditions in celebrating accomplishments and maintaining community.
