Something for Every Middle Schooler: Meet J Middle School 

Rebecca Rosenfelt, Middle School Engagement and Program Coordinator

Ask a middle schooler what they want to do, and you might get an answer like “Hersheypark!” And that’s exactly why we’re excited about what’s happening at the JCC and 4Front this year.  

Over the past year, the teen team at 4Front and the JCC have been thinking about how to create more ways for students in grades 6–8 to connect with friends, try something new, get involved in their community, and, most importantly, have fun. Last year, we excitedly shared that the JCC’s Middle School Leadership Council (MSLC) moved under the umbrella of 4Front, where the program was enhanced by the support of the 4Front teen initiative. This new home gave us the opportunity to think bigger about what middle school engagement at the JCC could look like. 

This year, we’re taking that next step with J Middle School, a collection of programs and experiences designed specifically for middle schoolers. MSLC remains a key part of J Middle School, but it is now just one of many ways students can get involved throughout the year. 

Middle school is an exciting time, but it also comes with a lot of change. Students are figuring out who they are, navigating friendships, becoming more independent, and learning how to manage new responsibilities. And after the disruption of the COVID years, many middle schoolers are still rebuilding some of the social and organizational skills that come naturally through everyday interactions and activities. We believe that one of the best ways to support them is to give them opportunities to be together, try new things, take on responsibilities, and build relationships. 

That’s what J Middle School is all about. 

Building Leaders Through Middle School Leadership Council 

At the heart of J Middle School is Middle School Leadership Council (MSLC), a leadership program created with 6-8^th graders in mind. 

MSLC meets throughout the school year and gives students the chance to build leadership skills while spending time with their peers. Meetings include team-building activities, games, community impact projects, cooking, and other hands-on experiences. We also make sure there is plenty of time to just have fun together. 

One of the things we love most about MSLC is that no two meetings look exactly the same. We might start with trivia and a taste of Israeli culture and then jump into a leadership activity, a service project, or a completely new challenge. The goal is for students to leave each meeting having learned something, connected with someone, and had a good time. 

We are kicking off our year with a parent and teen orientation, followed by bi-monthly meetings begin in October.  

Middle Schoolers Told Us What They Want 

We also want J Middle School to be shaped by the teens who participate in it. So, we asked middle schoolers what they wanted to do this year. 

The answer was pretty clear: Hersheypark! 

We’re excited to make it happen this fall. Students will spend the day exploring the park in small groups with a counselor and, hopefully, squeezing in as many rides as possible. It’s a great example of what we want J Middle School to be: opportunities to spend time with friends, make new connections, and create memories together. 

And Hersheypark isn’t the only idea that came directly from our middle schoolers. 

More Chances to Hang Out 

We know that finding fun, positive things for middle schoolers to do on a Saturday night isn’t always easy. That’s why we’re hosting Middle School Saturday Nights at the Owings Mills JCC. 

These evenings will give students a place to hang out with friends, meet new people, play basketball or volleyball, challenge each other to video games, grab some snacks, and just have fun. Sometimes the best part of a program is simply having a place where you know you can show up, see your friends, and feel comfortable being yourself. 

Try Something New 

Middle school is also a great time to discover a new interest, and we’re adding opportunities to do just that. 

Our teens told us they wanted more food-related programming, so this winter we’ll be offering a three-part Israeli cooking series. Students will learn new cooking skills while exploring Israeli culture through food. 

For our basketball fans, we’re also planning a 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the spring. Whether students want to compete, cheer on their friends, or just be part of the day, we’re looking forward to bringing the community together. 

And these are just a few of the opportunities available through J Middle School. 

There’s Something for Everyone 

J Middle School is about creating more ways for middle schoolers to find something that feels right for them. In addition to our own programs and events, students can take advantage of many other JCC opportunities, including: 

All J Middle School events and programs are open to students in grades 6–8, and JCC membership is not required to participate. 

We’re excited about what this next chapter looks like for middle schoolers at the JCC. Whether a student joins MSLC, comes to a Saturday Night Out, or signs up for a cooking class, we want J Middle School to be a place where they can show up, be themselves, make friends, and find their place. 

There’s a lot happening at the JCC for middle schoolers this year, and we can’t wait to see where it takes them. 

For more information about Middle School programs, please visit J Middle School Programs | JCC Baltimore