The school year is coming to a close, and after having experienced all different levels of the system, I have to say, I'm in awe of the changes with the middle schools. At a time when most students vacillate between child and adult, saint and sinner, lamb and monster, Baldwin County Middle Schools have finally got a tight grip on their programs.

All school systems experience highs and lows. For a while, test scores will soar and awards will abound. Then, because of changes in funding, administration, staff, curriculum fads or a combination of any of these, we'll find ourselves in a new ballgame, where we feel like the underdog.

Baldwin County Schools are no different. That's why it's important to recognize the changes that are good. Changes that make parents and teachers excited to be present every day. And while there are many throughout the county that fit that very definition of success, I'm particularly familiar and happy with Fairhope Middle School, which houses my little darling.

The outer façade of the 5-year-old school building, which the former administrators promised would “blend with the unique community,” has always given me a case of heartburn.

Apparently designed and built by middle school boys using leftover scrap metal and Legos, it's a carbon copy of the Foley and Spanish Fort Middle Schools, and for the life of me, I can't figure out how it blends into any of our communities.

And yes, I know there are those of you who love these odd looking buildings. Hey, to each his own. But like our Mothers told us, “it's what's on the inside that counts.”

And on the inside of Fairhope's crazy-looking building these days are some enthusiastic efforts to work creatively to reach the students who are in the most difficult stage of their lives. The teachers have decorated and painted their classrooms to reflect an air of academia and innovation. The hallways are sparkling clean and smell of . . . nothing! Remember, this is middle school. Have you sniffed a middle school kid lately?

“Miss Grumpy Hormones” and “Mr. Strange Smells” should be the official school mascots for all middle schoolers, but Principal Angie Hall, who is just completing her third year at the school, has stepped in and led an educational revival that makes these students feel as if they are the happy ending in a Clearasil commercial.

Mrs. Hall, who has raised two boys of her own, knows how to manage the unmanageable age. Her cheerful attitude and professionalism are contagious, and the staff and parents love her. The teachers are enthusiastic in finding new ways to teach and reach the 700 moody seventh and eighth graders.

Hall states her goals at the school have been straightforward — to stop bullying, unite the staff and promote imaginative learning that reaches all students. She is looking forward to the new technology that will give students individual laptops next year, but adds that her main concern is to obtain funding for a few more cameras so every corner of the campus can be monitored.

“A safe campus is my priority,” she said.

The band program, under the direction of Mrs. Jennifer Salley, is producing young musicians who can rival many high school students from other areas of the state. Her seventh grade band alone has a whopping 71 members. That's an awful lot of squawking clarinets to tame.

“I was especially proud of our eighth grade band, which made straight superior ratings at the district symphonic contest this past year,” Salley reports.

Soon, the entire eighth grade, along with 77 parent volunteers, will travel to New Orleans to tour the Audubon Zoo, Aquarium and other venues.

“This is an educational reward for those students who have exemplified excellent behavior all year,” Hall said.

In addition to the regular music and sports programs, there is also a Unicycle Club and a Technology Club. These types of activities not only broaden the learning experience, but are also great stress relievers for some of our most stressed-out citizens.

I can very well remember how stressful middle school was. I lost my mood ring one day in seventh grade and wanted the world to end. Talk about stress. The only thing that made me feel better was listening to Debby Boone sing, “You Light Up My Life” about 92 times in a row. I'm sure my parents would have preferred me riding a unicycle around instead.

So here's to all you Baldwin County middle school teachers out there, who know exactly how to bring out the best in our young people. You are shaping these pre-pubescent citizens into highly educated, contributing, confident members of our community.

Better you than me!

Leslie Anne Harrison is a contributor to the Southern Coterie website as well as Fairhope Supply Co., http://www.fairhopesupply.com.