Walls Freshmen Reflect on Summer Bridge

Photo credit: Kira Kraniak ('29)

Transitioning from middle to high school can be daunting, especially into a selective, rigorous-magnet school such as Walls. It is for this reason that a program called Summer Bridge exists. Where rising 9th graders, along with any students new to Walls, are able to spend a week of their summer getting acclimated to the school. They meet peers and teachers, explore their campus, get acclimated to the high school environment, build a school community, and make other preparations for the coming school year. 

While never a requirement, students are highly encouraged to attend in order to feel fully confident and comfortable by the fall. 

The activities done at Summer Bridge, or simply “Bridge,” vary from year to year. However, this past summer, there was an emphasis on bonding with others. Named after Walls’ beloved mascot, the Penguin, students were split up into several randomized groups, each one named after a different species of penguin. These included, Emperor, Gentoo, Chinstrap, and others! 

And now that the school year’s in full swing here at Walls, freshmen reflect on the effectiveness of Summer Bridge in completing its purpose of preparing new students for all things Walls. From the mini club fair held one day during advisory to the presentations given during breakfast by administration and Ms. Pace, the wonderful counselor for the class of 2029, how was Summer Bridge?

When asked about her overall experience, Eva Gerhart (‘29), stated “I got to know some kids, [and became] more comfortable in the school.” She explained that she was glad she went and that she felt more prepared. “I was able to pick up the schedule and [learn] to find my way around.” Similarly, Chloe Carrdus (‘29), recalled “...it was a good experience, I met lots of new people [and] I was also introduced to the teachers.” 

However, it was mentioned by many freshmen that they would have rather had their Penguin groups change everyday to maximize the number of classmates they could meet. “The point of summer bridge was to meet new classmates and teachers, [so] we could’ve [met more people] with different [everyday groups],” Aurora Felton (‘29), explained. Meredith Krell (‘29), agreed, adding that “once the school year started, there were still lots of people I didn’t know.”

From a teacher’s perspective, Mr. Webster, who’s volunteered at Bridge every year since its start, explained that he isn’t sure how effective it is in preparing students for academic classes at Walls. However, it completes its purpose of helping freshmen socialize and meet new peers, including their potential teachers! 

  The effectiveness of Summer Bridge will differ depending on who you ask, but it’s clear that both students and teachers at Walls are glad it’s here.