And just like that, another incredible school year comes to a close! The final episode of Eagle News Season 4 wrapped up with a mix of nostalgia, excitement, and insightful reflections from our student anchors and reporters.
Whether you are moving up a grade, heading to a new school, or preparing to cross the bridge into middle school, here are the major highlights and takeaways from our season finale.
Our student reporter, Eddie, shared a beautiful reflection on what change truly means. It’s easy to feel a little nervous when things shift, but change is simply a sign of growth.
Think about how much has happened this year:
New Connections: We welcomed new friends who made us laugh, helped us learn, and pushed us to be brave.
Bittersweet Goodbyes: We said farewell to classmates moving on to new adventures, keeping their memories close to our hearts.
Internal Growth: Step by step, we didn’t just grow taller—we grew smarter, kinder, and stronger.
“Change doesn’t mean we’re losing what we love. It means we’re getting ready for what’s coming.” — Eddie
Moving from elementary to middle school is a massive milestone. To make the transition smoother, St. Paul utilizes a Middle School Mentorship Program. Reporters Ian and Isa broke down exactly how this program supports our rising 6th graders.
What is a Middle School Mentor?
Mentors are responsible, respectful, and trustworthy 6th and 7th-grade students hand-selected by the middle school counselor. They are paired with 5th graders to answer questions, share advice, and serve as positive role models.
How Does it Help?
Answering the Unknowns: Mentors reach out via email to update incoming students on special events and middle school expectations.
Building Confidence: Knowing a friendly older student on campus takes away the “scary” factor of a new environment.
A Badge of Honor: The mentors themselves reported feeling incredibly proud and honored that the faculty trusted them with such an important leadership role.
One things that remains constant at St. Paul is our commitment to English language development. Reporter Katie gave us an honest, student-perspective look into the P.L.A.C.E. Policy (Policy for Language Acquisition and Community Excellence).
While the policy is designed to encourage everyone to use English as a common language so no one feels excluded, Katie noted that it can sometimes be challenging for students who are still building their fluency.
To make sure the policy builds community rather than stress, Katie shared some excellent advice from our teaching staff:
The Buddy System: If a student feels uncomfortable or nervous speaking English, they can pair up with a “buddy” who can offer language support and encouragement.
Safety First: The most important part of learning a new language is feeling safe. It is always okay to reach out and ask for help when you are struggling.
A Tool, Not a Hierarchy: English is our common tool for learning, but all home languages and backgrounds are respected and valued equally.
Finally, Ji and Aiden caught up to talk about the big event: 5th Grade Graduation!
Aiden shared the classic mix of emotions that almost every graduate feels: excitement to switch classrooms and experience different teachers, mixed with a little bit of nervousness about the tougher middle school workload.
Ceremony Details:
When: June 9th at 11:30 AM
Where: The School Gymnasium
What to Expect: Inspiring teacher speeches, guest speakers, an end-of-year memory video, awards, and a celebratory reception afterward.
A massive congratulations to all of our graduating 5th graders—you have earned this moment!
That is an official wrap on Season 4 of Eagle News. Thank you to all the student journalists, teachers, and viewers who made this season unforgettable. Have a wonderful, safe, and relaxing summer break, and get ready for a brand-new crew (and some familiar faces like Jah and Enzo) when Season 5 returns next school year!
