Stay Gold, 7th Grade – A Celebration of The Outsiders

In Mrs. Hutchinson’s 7th-grade ELA class, finishing a novel isn’t just about turning the last page, it’s about bringing the story to life. After weeks of diving into the themes of loyalty, identity, and class conflict in The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, students wrapped up their novel study with a full-blown Outsiders Day celebration, and it was one to remember!

To honor the classic coming-of-age story, students were invited to dress as either a Greaser or a Soc, stepping into the shoes (and leather jackets) of characters they’ve come to know so well. It was like walking onto the set of a 1960s movie, slicked-back hair, denim, leather, and pearls filled the classroom.

The event featured classic '50s and '60s rock music, dancing, and even a real 1965 Mustang parked out front, thanks to a generous parent volunteer. Students snapped photos with the car and each other, striking poses that could have come straight from the book. And of course, no Outsiders celebration would be complete without a sweet treat, chocolate cake, a delicious nod to the characters' makeshift celebrations in the novel.

One of the most exciting moments of the day was the limbo competition, where students put their flexibility to the test. Cheers filled the room as classmate after classmate gave it their best shot, but it was Norah Borek who stole the show, bending lower than anyone thought possible and claiming the limbo crown!

More than just a party, Outsiders Day was a creative way to deepen students’ connection to the text. It brought literature to life in a hands-on, memorable way and reminded everyone that learning can be both meaningful and fun. Mrs. Hutchinson’s dedication to making reading engaging is just one of the many reasons we’re proud of our incredible middle school teachers.

Way to go, 7th grade—you stayed gold.