Beloved tradition helps ease transition to middle school while building excitement for new academic year
On Thursday, Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School buzzed with excitement as rising sixth graders participated in the school's cherished annual Locker Day and Open House tradition. The event, designed to help students familiarize themselves with their new environment before the official start of the school year, provided incoming Huskies with their first taste of middle school independence.
Students arrived eager to locate their assigned lockers and master the art of combination locks—a rite of passage that marks their transition from elementary to middle school. The hallways were filled with the sounds of clicking metal and triumphant cheers as students successfully opened their lockers for the first time.
"Watching these students take ownership of their space is one of my favorite parts of preparing for a new school year," said Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School Principal Steve Pickering. "This tradition removes one source of anxiety for our new sixth graders while giving them something concrete to look forward to."
The personalization process proved just as important as the practical aspects. Students came prepared with an array of accessories to transform their assigned metal spaces into personalized havens. Battery-powered LED lights illuminated the interiors, while magnetic mirrors and organizational shelves maximized the compact space. Many students brought photographs, artwork, and small mementos from home to create a sense of belonging in their new academic environment.
"I brought pictures of my family and my dog, plus this little mirror my sister gave me when she started middle school," shared Emma, a rising sixth grader. "It feels more like mine now."
The collaborative approach extended beyond individual locker decoration, as returning eighth-grade student Huskie Ambassadors volunteered to assist their younger peers. These mentors demonstrated proper locker operation techniques and shared practical tips for middle school success, embodying the school's commitment to peer support and community building.
For families, the open house portion of the event provided valuable opportunities to explore the building, meet teachers, and connect with other parents navigating the same transition. The collaborative atmosphere reflected Falls Church City Public Schools' commitment to partnership between families, students, and educators.
As these rising sixth graders left the building, combination memorized and lockers personalized, they carried with them not just the practical skills they'll need for middle school, but also the confidence that comes from successfully taking on a new challenge.
Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School will welcome all students for the 2025-26 academic year on Monday, August 18th. The school serves approximately 660 students in grades 6-8 as part of the Falls Church City Public Schools International Baccalaureate Middle Years Programme.
FCCPS Photos: John Wesley Brett