“Welcome to our family,” Wantagh Middle School Principal Anthony Ciuffo said as he addressed incoming sixth graders during orientation on Aug. 29. Approximately 200 students and their families attended the program, which included late morning and afternoon sessions.

Middle school marks the coming together of the Class of 2031 from three different elementary schools. Mr. Ciuffo and Assistant Principal Rachel Quattrocchi want to make the transition as smooth as possible, and began each program with a presentation to discuss middle school life and expectations. They reviewed the schedule, arrival procedures, backpack and cell phone policies, extracurricular activities and support services. Then it was time for students to explore.

Each student received a gold or black folder – denoting their team for the 2024-2025 school year – with their class schedule, locker information, building map and student handbook. The sixth graders were encouraged to travel the school to simulate their daily schedule. 

The incoming students also found their lockers and practiced opening them to be ready for the first day of school. Many sixth graders started decorating their lockers with mirrors, magnets and shelves. 

Wantagh Middle School Ambassadors could be found throughout the building to lend a helping hand. The seventh and eighth grade student leaders helped their younger peers find classrooms and answered questions about middle school life. In the hallway outside the gymnasium, family members learned how to get involved in parent organizations including the PTSA, SEPTA and Booster Club, and even grab some Wantagh merchandise.