NEW SCHOOL YEAR — Middle school student Charlie Crosier set to work in her fifth-grade science class at Harding Middle School, being in the second-largest class in the school. This year’s fifth-graders total 212 students and counting. Administrators and pupils said such events as Making Memories in the Middle and fourth-grade “bump-up” days have helped to smoothly transition students into their new environment. -- Contributed

STEUBENVILLE — Fifth-graders have transitioned into their respective classes at Harding Middle School, adapting to life beyond all they have known at the elementary level.

Classes resumed Aug. 21, with approximately 212 pupils — the school’s second-largest class — officially becoming Stallions.

Principal Bryan Mills stated enrollment numbers were growing steadily and the fifth-grade was just behind the seventh-grade class, which has about 230 students.

Officials have taken steps to ease the move with a bevy of interactive events during the past year, including longtime activities such as Making Memories in the Middle, fourth-grade bump-up days and the Winter Extravaganza as well as newer ones like Trunk or Treat and Popsicles with the Principal.

Mills explained these events permit fourth-graders to meet with classmates from Steubenville’s other elementary schools and interact with upperclassmen from Harding.

“There are lots of opportunities to be at Harding before they come here,” Mills stated.

The second-annual Trunk or Treat event will be held Oct. 30. Students will dress in costumes and collect treats in the school parking lot.

Officials noted the inaugural event drew hundreds of students and family members to the school for some fall fun filled with sweets and camaraderie.

Other events have included the Winter Extravaganza, featuring band and orchestra performances; the springtime Making Memories social, where participants visit each room and enjoy science experiments, origami, bingo games, a Locked Up Escape Challenge, marble rollercoasters, E-sports gaming and performances by the school’s band and orchestra; and a May bump-up day in which fourth-graders from East Garfield, McKinley STEM Academy, Pugliese West and Wells Academy are bused to Harding Stadium for a field day full of activities such as kickball, musical showcases and Minute to Win It musical showcases.

These events allow upcoming students to connect with middle schoolers, teachers and administrators.

Mills noted a parent information meeting is held every April for parents of students in fourth through eighth grades, affording them the opportunity to ask questions, share concerns and obtain information about the school.

“It’s a way to get acclimated to faces, meet teachers and get a tour of the facilities,” said school social worker Shay Greiner. “Our belief is that it greatly reduces anxiety and they get an opportunity to be here and meet people.”

Additional help is available as students acclimate to having more classwork, Greiner said, adding flex periods and intervention programs provide extra support to keep students on a successful learning path.

“We acknowledge that after-school activities increase,” she stated. “And if they can get their work done at school, we will help them do it.”

“There’s a safety net to help every period of every day,” Mills interjected.

Incoming middle-schoolers William Luther and Nina Lumpkin said they have been enjoying their first few weeks of classes and new environment.

“It’s fun,” said Luther, who previously attended Pugliese West Elementary. “I like Harding.”

“I do football, soccer, basketball and baseball and want to do basketball and baseball here,” he said.

Lumpkin, who comes to Harding by way of Wells Academy, said her transition was smooth, as well.

“It’s good,” she said. “It’s fun and it’s a good change.”

Both students offered advice to their classmates and future middle school students, with Lumpkin saying, “Don’t be nervous because it’s really fun, and don’t stress or you will feel worse.”