Middle School Spotlight: Building Strong Foundations

This week, we're hearing from Mrs. Jennifer Miller, our Head of Middle School, who shares what character development looks like in action every day in our middle school community.

You’ve probably heard the term “soft skills” before. At All Saints’, we see these abilities differently and actually call them foundational skills, because that’s exactly what they are: the foundation students need to build on from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade and beyond. We’re talking about leadership, communication, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and work ethic—the skills that help kids navigate not just school, but life.

Daily Opportunities

Leadership and collaboration aren't reserved for special occasions at All Saints'—they happen in every classroom and every discussion. Work ethic and teamwork are woven into advisory, life skills classes, creative concentrations, and athletics. Students practice these skills naturally throughout their day, whether they're working through a math problem together or supporting a teammate on the field.

Structured Leadership Programs

We've also created intentional spaces for students to step into leadership roles. Student Council, Builders Club, and NJHS give students formal opportunities to serve our community. Tech Tigers help classmates troubleshoot iPad issues, while Student Ambassadors welcome visitors and share what makes All Saints' special. Our Student Leadership Council—now in its fifth year—brings eighth graders together to shape decisions that impact middle school life, from schedule changes to activity planning.

And then there's TOAST Club. Every Tuesday during lunch, up to 40 middle school students gather in Mrs. Ashleigh’s classroom to share toast (literally!) and come up with ways to "toast" someone or something on campus—spreading compliments and appreciation throughout our community.

Learning Through Experience

While our program is intentionally designed to teach and practice these foundational skills every single day, the best moments come when students jump in, have fun, and lead organically.

This week was a perfect example. On Tuesday, we brought in a teambuilding group for a half-day program with our seventh-grade students. They worked in teams to overcome challenges together—like guiding a blindfolded peer through a path of mousetraps using only verbal directions. The gym was full of laughter and excitement as solutions emerged from seemingly impossible problems, and groups celebrated accomplishing hard things together.

During our debrief, we talked about how leadership looked different at different moments throughout the morning. Sometimes the quiet student was the most effective voice in the group. Sometimes success only came when everyone adapted to each other's needs and worked as one unit. We returned to an idea we touch on often at All Saints': as good humans, we have a responsibility to go into the world and lead by helping others. This means focusing on creative solutions, listening well, and taking responsibility for making the world better.

Learning From Those Who've Gone Before

We also teach students about leadership by connecting them with people who are living it out. Throughout the year, we bring in alumni speakers who share their journeys. Earlier this year, a Brophy student spoke at chapel about carrying the All Saints' Way into high school. This Friday, our entire middle school will participate in Service Day, putting these values into action, and in November, we're connecting middle schoolers with All Saints' alumni who are making a difference in the world. 

The Best of Both Worlds

Here's what we've learned: character development thrives in the space between structure and spontaneity. Yes, we intentionally design programs, create leadership opportunities, and carve out time for students to practice these skills. But the magic happens when students take what they've learned and run with it—when they comfort a friend without being asked, solve a problem creatively, or step up to lead in a moment that matters. We're building the foundation, but our students are the ones bringing it to life every single day. The opportunity as Head of Middle School to witness the growth of our students is one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of my job.