Elementary school students always used to hear stories about Gates Intermediate School from teachers, students, and older siblings. Freedom was a new concept that made middle school something to look forward to. With freedom comes responsibility, and Gates’ students were expected to act like the adults they strived to become. Some students took advantage of the responsibility given to them. “People got away with stuff in Gates that they shouldn’t have,” sophomore Patrick Bingman said. When you ignore the condition of the building and the fact that those were the awkward middle school days, most upperclassmen agree that Gates was a relaxed and fun atmosphere.
There were big shoes to fill with the passing of loved Principal Mr. Blake, and the board brought in two new faces to the Scituate school system. When the Gates administration shifted in 2010, the eighth graders moved on to the high school and the seventh grade students at Gates were a part of an increasingly strict system that was the opposite of what they had experienced their first year. Sophomore Katie Golden said, “Gates was different; in eighth grade it wasn’t a free-for-all like it was in seventh grade. The first year people would sit in the bathroom and skip class, and in eighth grade I don’t know of anyone who would.”
As strictness increased, some students quickly forgot about the more relaxed environment Gates was, and were forced to move on. Students who experienced seventh grade with one administration and eighth grade with another explained the difference in the discipline. Sophomore Jackie Coscia said, “In seventh grade it was more welcoming, and you could tell everyone really cared about the students. In eighth grade you couldn’t even walk into the cafeteria a certain way.”
Freedom was something most kids used to look forward to coming to middle school, however, lately the new group of freshmen have a different story. Students who are currently freshmen have just experienced middle school under the new, stricter administration. Freshman Stephen Way said, “Gates was a little harsh, they overdid it. One little thing- down to the office.”
Freshman Walter Stone also agreed, “Sometimes the disciplinary system was unfair at Gates. The repeat offenders were always the ones who got blamed for stuff they might not have done.” The remaining question seems to be how has this change in administration affected the different grades and their actions. Every grade currently in the high school has a different opinion on what they call middle school.
Even though the students tend to disagree, this might be beneficial for Gates and its students. Under the new administration, the school’s environment is more controlled and strict, and there is no room for childish mistakes. This austere atmosphere helps kids prepare more for high school, however while during their time at Gates students may disagree.
The teachers at Gates believe that the culture of the school has immensely changed for the better. 8th grade English teacher Mrs. Hall explained the “R Cubed” model, which encourages students to “respect yourself, respect others, and respect the school.” Ms. Hall said, “The promoted R cubed model combined with better communication in academics has changed the culture of our school. The students are so well behaved, and the enthusiasm of the new young staff is contagious.” She also explained that the students take this model very seriously and do not treat it as a joke. It is something every student values.
Another teacher at Gates who has seen a difference is the special education teacher Mrs. Skypeck, who has been teaching at Gates since 2001. “Students have a lot more pride in the building now,” Skypeck said, “they’re more engaged and understand what school is really about. They really understand that learning comes first.”
Even the teachers at Scituate High School have begun to notice a new found maturity and sense of respect. The freshmen this year are much more well behaved and respectful towards others. Foreign language department head Ms. Ciulla has been teaching predominantly freshmen for six years, and had a lot to say about the new freshmen. “My freshmen are a breath of fresh air, they are so polite, and work well with everyone,” Ciulla said. “There are always ‘thank yous’ at the end of class, and this group of freshmen are great role models for upperclassmen.” This change in the administration might be just what Gates needed.