This year, Barstow had three 8th grade move-up days. Students currently in 8th grade spent a day in 9th grade classes. These days allow current 8th graders to experience what high school classes are like firsthand. On move-up days, 8th graders will gain insight on core classes and electives. After the move-up days, hopefully 8th graders know what to expect out of high school.

Amy Jiao (‘26) stated, “Yeah, I really enjoyed seeing the 9th grade classes. I got to experience Art Fundamentals with Ms. Lackey and Robotics.”

Starting high school can be a stressful experience for all students. Move-up days allow students to feel more confident going into freshman year. With confidence, students may make friends, engage in class, and attempt different extracurricular activities with ease. 

8th graders who experience move-up days will also get the chance to meet current high schoolers. Deciding which classes to take is also an extremely difficult aspect of starting high school. Meeting the teachers and seeing what the classes are like in high school makes that experience much easier. Move-up days take place on Mondays, so that students can experience every class for 40 minutes including both core classes and electives.

Core classes current 8th graders will try include Biology, English, Algebra II, Ancient World History, and Spanish II. Electives offered on move-up days include Introduction to Broadcasting, Singers, Drawing/Painting, BTVN, Art Fundamentals, Debate, Music Ages, Acting, Statistics, EDR, or Engineering, Design, and Robotics, and Ensemble. Clearly, move-up days offer a wide variety of electives for students to experience. A wide variety of classes ensures that students are able to find an activity that interests them. Overall, move-up days can have many positive impacts on current 8th graders. 

So that the entire 8th grade class does not miss out on a day of their own classes, the 8th graders were split up into groups. Amy Jiao (‘26) said, “It was pretty chaotic. The classrooms were hard to find, so I had to ask teachers and friends. The 9th grade English room was especially hard to find.” The groups were labeled from 1A to 3D, and consist of four or five students. Groups 1A-D had their move up day on November 8th. Groups 2A-D had their move up day this past Monday, November 15th. Last, groups 3A-D will have their move-up day on November 22nd. 

With successful move-up days, current 8th graders will feel more confident entering high school. Move-up days also give teachers a chance to meet the students they will have next year before the first day of school. Seeing how students act in a learning environment allows teachers to see how they learn as well as which electives they would be best suited for. Overall, move-up days are incredibly beneficial for students and teachers involved.