Question: What do you like most about teaching 6th grade social studies?

Mr. Scialo: I love teaching the kids how to transition from 5th to 6th grade. I also teach a lot more then social studies. I teach organizational skills, which is something a middle school student must have. I also like teaching them how to make maps & other projects. I also love to teach kids time management and teach them to know when their projects are due so they have enough time to do the project as best they can.

Q: How long have you been teaching for?

Scialo: I have been teaching since 1996. I was an intern for a while then started to student teach. I taught all subjects when I was student teaching. When teaching all subjects that kind of gave me an idea of what I wanted to teach when I became a real teacher. I did not teach in 6th grade social studies at first, but I taught 5th grade science.

Q: Why do you teach social studies, out of all the other subjects?

Scialo: It is the BEST subject in the world to teach! What I find so interesting is that news changes every single day. Changes made every day I think open the eyes of children.

Q: What do you want new students, or the 6th graders to know about you?

Scialo: I am very approachable. The students should have no fear about discussing any problems they have. When the kids come in the class they are attentive but relaxed. I am also very assertive but caring at the same time. They should also know that respect is #1 to me.

Q: What is your biggest pet peeve?

Scialo: It bothers me so much when kids pile al of their books on their desk, when I know they are going to fall down. I like a clean work area, & I think it helps the kids learn more when they are neat and have a clean work area. Also kids do not listen to anything. I could be up teaching for 30 minutes and still have at least five kids ask, "Wait, what did you say?" I think kids should try and listen more then they do now.

Q: Why do you think Middlesex is such a great school?  

Scialo: I think it is such a great school because so many kids have great connections between teachers. I still have high school kids come back to me and ask how I am. That is such a great thing to have, and students are so important to every teacher in the building. I also think this school is so great because something happens every day that I will always remember for the rest of my life!