PHOTOS: Sixth grade at Roosevelt -- from a sixth-grader's perspective

Tuesday was the first day of school for the Cedar Rapids school district. It was also my first day at Roosevelt Middle School. I am in sixth grade.

There are some differences between elementary school and middle school. Most are better.

First of all, the lockers have a combination, which I had some trouble with. Good thing I got there early!

Secondly, switching classes is something you have to get used to.

Most of the students waiting for the first bell were feeling different emotions.

Jordan Johnson, 11, a sixth grader, said the difference between elementary and middle school was “harder homework.” He said he didn't feel nervous, though.

Another sixth grader, Dylan Roberts, 11, shared that he is concerned about “trading classrooms.” He thinks it will “be harder to get used to.” He said he thought lunch would be better.

Shelbi Grommon, 13, an eighth grader, is excited about “learning new stuff” and “a little nervous about starting a new grade,” like the rest of us. Shelbi would like to “excel higher” and when she goes to high school, she would like to take “excel classes.”

Sixth grader Stephan Nguyen, 11, is looking forward to band. He is going to play the tuba. Stephan is nervous about starting middle school, but he has set high goals - he wants to “get A's.”

Alexus Smith, 11, another sixth grader, thinks Roosevelt will be different because there is “harder work.” Her goals are “getting good grades” and “being better at geography.”

Seventh grader Destinee Collins, 12, likes “seeing friends” and “meeting new ones.” Her goal: “Good grades.”

Sixth grader Alex Nolting, 12, also is looking forward to getting good grades. The difference to him from elementary school is the new teachers. He is going to play the trumpet in the band. So am I.

All the students have good goals. I hope they all succeed. I stopped Dylan and Stephan coming out of school. They said they both had a good first day, and so did I.

I'd like to thank Liz, my photographer, for the great pictures of the students I interviewed.

-- Alex Fernandez