Briarcliff Middle School’s youngest student is only four years old. He is shy, small and has sticky legs.

Meet the school’s first-ever class pet: a crested gecko.

The new year marks a fresh start. At Briarcliff Middle School, the new year began with the appointment of Assistant Principal, Phil Hammack. Mr. Hammack brings nearly a decade of experience in school administration to Briarcliff. We talked with Mr. Hammack about his background, his vision for the school and what he is excited about in his new role

Briarcliff Middle School eighth graders recently had the chance to role play as European heads of states during a simulation about World War I. The activity was in social studies class with John Lloyd and Austin Perry, and involved discussing the events that ultimately led to the war.

Superintendent’s Conference Day is an opportunity for teachers to explore new ways of teaching.

In mid-December, all teachers at Briarcliff School District participated in a presentation by Peter Liljedahl, who wrote the book “Building Thinking Classrooms.” One of the things Mr. Liljedahl shared was his research about students working in the classroom while standing as opposed to sitting, and how it can enhance their critical thinking skills.

Less than one week later, Briarcliff Middle School English Language Arts teacher Alicia Moraitis decided to implement this strategy in a class project with her seventh graders.

Charles Dickens’ timeless tale, “A Christmas Carol,” was recently brought to life at Briarcliff Middle School by local master storyteller Jonathan Kruk.

Mr. Kruk has visited the school in the past to tell “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” but this was his first time at the school sharing “A Christmas Carol,” which tells the story of a miser who learns an important lesson about kindness and generosity.

The first annual Turkey Bowl took place at Briarcliff Middle School the day before Thanksgiving and was a celebration of fall, friendship and fun.

Students, dressed in yellow, orange and red colors celebrated each other and showed school spirit as they participated in multiple activities that brought the school community together.