Each year, students across the country, begin classes in a new school. Whether entering the first grade, high school or college – the uncertainty of their surroundings and the faces of new teachers and classmates, causes a bit of anxiety.

Dedham Middle School's Principal Debra Gately – along with teachers Andrew Patterson, Sue Lyons and a host of others – have worked hard over the past few years, to make this transition easier.

Dedham has four Elementary Schools located around town. Each September, over 200 students from Oakdale, Avery, Greenlodge, and Riverdale, come together at the Middle School to enter grade 6. The students are intermixed and divided in to two “teams” – Dexter and Fairbanks.

While the teachers do their part to have these groups unite, it takes one special day, to learn about and make, a host of new friends. During their first full week of classes, the Dedham Middle School sponsors a grade 6 Team Building Day. 

Suitably called “When Four Become One” – it is the goal of teachers and administrators to get this group to join together, as they begin their journey through Middle School and head towards High School.

An early morning meeting is held in the auditorium, followed by the students divided in to smaller groups. Nine “stations” are set up around school, both in the classroom and outdoors, with a variety of “getting to know you” activities. Students are able to share their thoughts and experiences. A lunch is served in the cafeteria, followed by an afternoon of team-building games and events held at Memorial Park.

By day's end, the smiles were plentiful and more had been accomplished than a month's worth of  normal days!