United South Central Middle School

United South Central School District #2134 serves the rural communities of Bricelyn, Easton, Kiester, Freeborn, Walters and Well in south central Minnesota. While the elementary and high school students are served in adjoining buildings and share facilities the middle school is unique as these children enjoy a world unto themselves. The middle school has approximately 300 students enrolled.

The grades of fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade attend this two-story school with auditorium, cafeteria, computer labs, library, music room and more. The school is handicap-accessible and features an elevator in the main building offering access to the second floor.

New goals are introduced to the middle school children each week, always pertinent to the age group. One recent topic addressed was how to cope with and confront bullying. Children also have a safe place to discuss topics in their "primetime" where they are grouped together with the same peers of different ages for the rest of the year.

Seasonal band and choir concerts are performed with local residents, family members and friends well in attendance.

Children also perform in an annual musical that is made possible by a grant and a volunteer acting troupe which comes to direct, stage and costume the kids in their production. Other lyceums and experiences are also enjoyed, one in particular being the sixth grade several-day trip exploring Minnesota. Sites visited on this trip are locks and dams on the Mississippi, a visit to a lighthouse on Lake Superior and much more. Teachers and parent-volunteers accompany kids on these trips which produce life-long memories for all who attend.

The staff is eager and enthralling - they often say it's their students who keep them young and full of energy. And it appears to be true!