Eastview students lead dual-language tours of building for next generation of scholars

At Eastview Middle School, who better to lead the next class of incoming sixth graders than the students who’ve already found their way?

The young scholars provided dual-language guided tours through the building Wednesday evening for the next generation of students and their families after a welcome presentation from Principal Leroy Dixon in the auditorium.

The event, designed to ease the transition for the Class of 2033, quickly shifted from presentation to practice, as about 50 student tour guides fanned out across the school, including the cafeteria, where the visitors tasted samples of what’s in store next year.

For many parents and children, it was their first real glimpse of middle school life.

Before the tours began, Mr. Dixon framed what that experience would look like and what it would require.

“At Eastview, we believe in three core values,” he told the audience as the following three statements flashed on the large screen: “I will be my best self. I will be kind to others. I will make good choices.”

He emphasized that those words are more than a slogan. “It is a mantra,” he said, explaining that students repeat it often enough that “eventually, they begin to believe in it.”

Mr. Dixon, whose remarks were translated into Spanish by Assistant Principal Suzanne Lasser, described middle school as a distinct and sometimes challenging transition period, one that brings both independence and responsibility.

Students are assigned to one of five core teams at the beginning of the year, each serving roughly 120 students, and will move through as many as seven or eight classes in a day — far different from the single-classroom structure they are leaving behind.

“This is the first step in what we call going to the secondary years,” he said, noting that the structure mirrors what students will encounter later in high school.

The principal also made clear that families remain central to that journey. Introducing the school’s #EPIC philosophy, for “Every Parent Improves Culture,” Mr. Dixon urged parents to stay engaged, monitor communication and take advantage of available resources.

The evening then moved from theory to reality.

Led primarily by students involved in community service and student organizations, the tours were designed to be as authentic as possible. Social studies teacher Vincenza Persampieri explained that the student guides — many of whom had already led tours for younger students earlier in the year — were well prepared.

“They’re professionals now,” she said. “This is their second time doing it.”

Students brought families through key parts of the building as about 20 staff members were stationed throughout to support the tours and answer questions.

“But really,” Ms. Persampieri noted, “the students run the tour.”

That peer-led approach resonated with both families and the guides themselves.

Student Ana Angel, who had previously helped lead tours for elementary students, said she was eager to participate again. “I am looking forward to showing everyone around — it’s exciting,” she said.

In the cafeteria, families sampled a mouth-watering array of menu items and gathered information about nutrition services. Food Service Director Magalie Porretto said the goal was to make the transition as smooth as possible.

“It’s a great way for parents to try and see some things from the menu, see what to expect for their upcoming students, and just provide them some information that’ll make it easier for their transition,” she said.

For parents like Elbia Medina, who has multiple children in the district, the event offered both reassurance and familiarity.

“It’s for my number four child,” she said. “The tours are helpful for the parents and for children.”

As families moved through the building — following student guides, asking questions and getting a feel for daily life — Mr. Dixon’s message resonated through the halls: middle school is a new chapter, but not one they have to navigate alone.