The Freshman Bridge Program, a controversial topic among the freshman class, is coming to an end. This leaves us with the questions: was it successful, and what makes it such an emotive topic?
The program was created to further connect students in the freshman grade. The idea was started in 2021 by Mr. Dodds, Mr. Humpherys, and Ms. McGuire. Mr. Humphreys said “People didn’t bond or gel as effectively as we wanted” and that “a big part of our school is that we act as a community, and that we know each other.” The lack of relationships in prior grades was a strong issue, so to continue our community norms the program was born.
Last year, Freshman Bridge lasted 5 days a week for a month. Students sat at different lunch tables every week while doing different activities, but now that the cafeteria has been demolished due to the construction, that is no longer an option. So, Mr. Humphreys and Mr. Dodds were forced to change the program.
The new program works so freshmen meet in groups on Kelleher Field. The groups are chosen at random so different kids have the opportunity to meet new people. They meet 3 times a week and have activities such as Minute To Win It challenges, BINGO, Would You Rather, and other games.
However, many freshmen have mixed feelings regarding the program. When we asked students if they initially liked the concept of the Freshman Bridge Program they thought the program would have been very different. They thought they would be able to meet new people and do fun activities with them; however, multiple students informed us that there seems to be a lack of activity because people are sitting down. This isn’t necessarily due to the program’s structure, but perhaps the willingness of the students.
Zack Helmrich stated, “I thought it would be more group-oriented activities because you can just sit there by yourself and not do anything related to your group.”
The opinion on the program differs from student to student. Ben Nichols commented that “The teachers are trying too hard to get us to spend time with new people.”
While others have stated that they enjoy being able to talk to new people and participate in activities, most students said that there needs to be some major improvements. Annabelle Bremner said, “I think for some people it would be good to be grouped and to get to know people.”
The Bridge Program is not in its final state as it’s only been running for two years. The program will definitely change and adapt in the future, perhaps in ways suggested by the freshman.
Sydney Wanamaker had the idea of choosing a small group of students and merging with other groups. This way you would always feel comfortable talking and participating. Other students mentioned freshman-led activities, which could help bond students even more. At the end of this year’s program students will give feedback and the program will take that advice into consideration when building the program for the next year’s incoming freshmen.
After six weeks of the program, there is still a lot of dispute about it. Some love it, and some hate it, but the goal of connecting students seems to be accomplished.
As Mr. Humphreys said, “Even if you’re bonding against us you’re still bonding.”
