We spotlight each of our Eighth graders and ask them to reflect on their Middle School experiences and share some of the highlights and what they are most proud of.
Meet Katelyn Manley
What is one of your favorite highlights from the middle school program?
My favorite memory from middle school was the recent Spain trip, an annual ten-day field trip where seventh and eighth graders travel to Spain. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to bond even more closely with my peers, especially since this is my final year at PMonts before I transition to public high school. Traveling together, sharing new experiences, and navigating a different culture brought us closer and created memories I’ll never forget.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was talking to locals, which gave me a chance to practice the Spanish I’ve been learning throughout the year. Speaking Spanish in real-life situations helped boost my confidence and showed me how much I’ve grown as a language learner. It also taught me something even more valuable, that you don’t always need to speak the same language to connect with someone. Through gestures, facial expressions, and shared laughter, I discovered how powerful human connection can be, even across language barriers.
The trip not only strengthened my friendships and language skills, but it also opened my eyes to the richness of other cultures. It was a perfect way to end my time at PMonts, and I’ll carry the lessons and memories from Spain with me as I move forward into high school and beyond.
What skill(s) did you develop thanks to your Montessori/IB education that are you most proud of?
Thanks to Montessori, I have learned to be a better communicator. The environment here encourages open dialogue, respectful discussion, and collaboration, all of which have helped me grow in confidence when expressing my ideas. My community project, an important experience every eighth grader completes before moving on to high school, also gave me the chance to further develop these communication skills. Through planning, presenting, and working with others, I learned how to clearly share my thoughts, listen actively, and adjust my message depending on my audience.
These communication skills will be essential as I transition to high school, where I’ll need to step out of my comfort zone and engage with new people, teachers, and experiences. Whether it’s participating in group projects, asking questions in class, or introducing myself to new classmates, I now feel more prepared to speak up and make meaningful connections. I’m grateful for the strong foundation Montessori has given me, and I know these skills will continue to support me throughout my academic journey and beyond.
What will you miss the most after you graduate from PMonts?
I am going to miss the teachers and students the most when I graduate from PMonts. Over the course of my eighth-grade year, I have grown even closer to my classmates and teachers, especially during the Spain trip. I will miss the close-knit community where everyone feels comfortable with one another, and I’ll especially miss how I can remember everybody’s name. It’s rare to be in an environment where people know each other so well, and that sense of connection has made my time here so special. Leaving this tight community behind will definitely be one of the hardest parts of graduating.
