Weekly feature spotlighting each of our Eighth graders which asks them to reflect on their Middle School experiences and share some of the highlights and what they are most proud of.
Meet Saharsh Kalappurakal
What is one of your favorite highlights from the middle school program?
My favorite highlight from being in the middle school program was the Spain trip. This trip was a valuable learning experience because we were away from home for 10 days in a country where we were using the language we learned at school on a daily basis and in more depth. At the beginning, it wasn’t easy, but by the end, our conversations became more fluent. It was also an interesting experience because I have traveled a lot in my life with my parents, but this was different because instead of being with my family, I was with my friends and teachers. I felt more independent than ever, and that felt really good. Overall, I really enjoyed this aspect of my middle school years because it taught us many life skills and lessons, and we had a lot of fun.
What skill(s) did you develop thanks to your Montessori/IB education that are you most proud of?
One skill I really worked on was my time management. Time management has truly helped me over the years, and I have significantly improved how efficiently I can work and complete tasks. Some things I focused on that required better time management were certain summative assessments in 8th grade. As the grades progress, the summative assessments demand more preparation, so effective time management is crucial for completing tasks and having time for other activities.
What will you miss the most after you graduate from PMonts?
What I will cherish most about this school when I graduate is the sense of community. The community here was incredibly welcoming, which made transitioning into 7th grade much easier for me. I found it effortless to make friends, and we had ample opportunities to enjoy ourselves while still staying focused on our work. Being part of such a supportive and inclusive community has truly enriched my experience here at school.