Middle School Student Life (Grades 6-8)
This page is your hub for key resources to support your child in elementary school at The Potter's House. From handbooks to counseling forms, you'll find quick access to important tools and updates that help keep your family connected.
Academic Opportunities & Support
Your child is building the foundation for high school success through core subjects - Bible, math, science, English language arts, and social studies - alongside enrichment in technology, PE, and theater.
STEM & Robotics
Your child will develop problem-solving skills by constructing and programming robots. Advanced learners may join the competitive "Tactical Hams" robotics team, recognized at regional competitions.
Wonder Academy: Project-Based & Place-Based Learning
If your child is in 6th or 7th grade, Wonder Academy helps them grow in competence, confidence, and a Christ-centered vision for their neighborhood and the world. The curriculum is both project-based and place-based, integrating hands-on learning with our Roosevelt Park community. Current 5th graders at The Potter’s House are given priority for enrollment.
Through partnerships with Calvin University, Plaster Creek Stewards, and Van Andel Institute, your child will explore vocation, the environment, and engineering in ways that connect real-world issues with faith. Our year-round Outdoor Classroom provides space for gardening, reflection, and discovery. Parent permission forms are sent home for off-campus activities.
Spiritual Formation & Discipleship
Students grow in faith through Bible classes, weekly chapel, and small-group discipleship every Wednesday. Staff model Christ-centered approaches to choices, relationships, and conflict.
- Mondays at 8:35 AM - Preschool - 8th Grade Family Worship
- Wednesdays at 12:00 PM - Middle School Discipleship
- Fridays at 8:35 AM - Middle School Worship
- Spiritual Theme Scriptures
Athletics
All 7th-8th graders may join school sports; 6th graders can participate in cross country and track. Sports include volleyball, soccer, basketball, baseball, and more.
Emotional & Social Support
We care for the whole student academically, emotionally, and socially. We use Second Step as a research-based social-emotional learning program that equips students with skills in empathy, emotion management, problem-solving, and responsible decision-making, helping create a safe, supportive, and respectful school environment. This program is paired with on-site counseling, wellness check-ins, and partnerships with trusted community mental health organizations.
Meet the Counseling Team:
- Aubree Hofman - MS Dean
- April Deur - PK-8th Grade Dean
- Haley Fedewa
- Dante Jones
Fine Arts
Middle schoolers explore creativity through band, choir, orchestra, and theater. Sixth graders rotate through each music option before choosing. Our annual spring play and seasonal concerts showcase student growth in music and performance.
Sign-up and schedule information is sent home each semester.
Contact middle school office for questions:
616-241-5913
Student Enrichment
Every Wednesday at 1:15 PM, optional afternoon classes are offered for grades 6-8. These programs give students a chance to explore interests and build skills outside of regular coursework.
Classes may include: Art, Drama, Study Skills, Book Club, 3D Design, Gym, fine art opportunities at the Cook Arts Center, and Kroc Center activities. To participate, a completed registration form must be kept on file. Students are expected to attend regularly and follow school guidelines.
Parents who wish to pick up students at 1:15 must sign them out in the office.
Unforgettable Experiences
Class trips expand horizons and create lasting memories:
- 6th Grade: Shipshewana day trip
- 7th Grade: Chicago overnight adventure
- 8th Grade: Washington, D.C. week-long trip
These travel experiences are integrated into the social studies and history curriculum, helping students connect classroom learning with the world around them. For many, these trips provide a first opportunity to travel - opening new horizons that would not be possible without TPH.
Parent packets and meetings are scheduled each spring.
