Summer Bridge Paves The Way For Freshman Success
by Makayla Kidd | Aug 7, 2024 9:12 am
This citizen contribution was submitted by Metropolitan Business Academy summer intern and rising senior Makayla Kidd about the school’s Summer Bridge program, which ran from July 15 to July 19 and is designed to help prepare incoming freshmen for their first year of high school.
During my final year at Metropolitan Business Academy, I had the chance to lead and take part in the Summer Bridge program. Unlike the incoming freshmen, my class missed out on this opportunity due to the pandemic. However, joining Natalie Alas, Nagies William, and Nya Bel-Jean made the experience enjoyable.
Being a student leader in the summer program was an amazing opportunity. Witnessing the incoming freshmen realize the significance of starting high school was eye-opening. I was able to connect with them as I hadn’t had the chance to form connections with the previous freshman class when I was a junior. It was great to share this experience because, despite doing decently in my freshman year, I didn’t fully comprehend the importance of high school in shaping one’s future back then. This program helped them understand that high school is a significant transition from middle school. While it offers enjoyable aspects, it also plays a crucial role in preparing for future careers and life.
Throughout the summer, incoming 9th graders had the opportunity to take part in our Summer Bridge program, aimed at introducing them to life at Metropolitan Business Academy. This program familiarized the students with the school building, developed their teamwork skills, and provided insights into the path to graduation from Metro. Prior to the start of the Summer Bridge program, there was a collaborative effort to organize the program. The Metro team, under the guidance of Dr. Lapan, received support from Dr. Chicoski, Mr. Staysniak, Ms. Piper, and Ms. Brillante.
The program kicked off with a gathering on the first floor in the gym, where one of our student leaders welcomed everyone, took attendance, and handed out name tags. We then formed a circle and dove into team-building activities, which ranged from fun name games to card activities focusing on important life skills to creating puzzles that reflected ourselves. As those activities concluded, we had many workshops such as on story exchange, led by Narrative 4, which taught the students about how you make bonds and connections through the power of storytelling.
During the Kintsugi workshop led by Nisha Sajnani, students delved into the traditional Japanese art form that focuses on repairing broken pottery with powdered gold. This ancient practice conveys the profound message that broken items are not without value and that imperfection does not equate to worthlessness. By meticulously piecing together these shattered fragments with gold, the artwork highlights resilience and the ability to emerge from adversity even stronger than before.
The students in the program received valuable resources from the local community, particularly from the New Haven Public Library. They were able to learn about the activities offered at the teen center, such as anime on Mondays and video games on Tuesdays and Fridays. Additionally, they had the opportunity to join the teen advisory board for community service. The students also had access to the local history room on the first floor of the library, which was helpful for their future school projects.
Another highlight of the many trips they attended was Possible Futures, which informed the students that there is a space for them to express themselves through poetry and embrace their love of reading books. The independent bookstore also helps give recognition to many authors who are LGBTQAI+ and people of color.
Furthermore, students got the opportunity to attend The Word, a group led by Aaron Jafferis, providing an opportunity for high school students to explore the art of poetry. The session featured a poetry reading by Jafferis, followed by Christian Lawrence and Bayan Albakkour, who are current rising juniors at Metropolitan Business Academy. Albakkour proceeded to share a powerful piece of poetry.
The group also engaged in a unique activity, which Dr. Chicoski particularly appreciated. “One of my favorite moments was when we selected books, sat around the gymnasium in bean bag chairs and sofas, and read. It reminded me of something Thích Nhât Hanh wrote about — the collective practice that brings peace, freedom, healing, and joy to everyone involved.” This made her feel like all the students enjoyed the reading because of the collective energy in the room.
The group then the visited the Canal Dock Boathouse, exploring its offerings and enjoying the scenic views.
Students had a lot to say about the Summer Bridge program, especially with helping them prepare for high school with this program. “The program helped me to get familiar with the school and know what is required and expected of me for freshman year. It also helped me to get to know other people and students,” said freshman Mikaia Dorsett.
When it came to participating in team-building activities, Iyanahlee Johnson stated, “It made me realize that I had a voice and that I don’t want fear to hold me back from doing the things I truly want and not what I convince myself I want.”
Moreover, teachers and administration had seen the positive impacts it placed on students and in addition to themselves. “The Summer Bridge program at Metro was a great experience! It was nice to meet and get to know some of the incoming freshmen before the school year started. It was even better to create opportunities where students were able to meet their peers and develop friendships so that when we all return in August, students will feel more comfortable and connected to our school community. I think our program will help set students up for a successful four years!” said Dr. Lapan.
This Summer Bridge program was a success, especially for the incoming freshmen. Many student leaders who unfortunately didn’t get to participate in the Summer Bridge program due to the pandemic happening at the time when they were freshmen also spoke up about how the program would have greatly helped them during their first year.
Here are some words from current rising senior Natalie Alas: “Being familiar with resources such as the Pride Center, Possible Futures, and the Teen Center in the library. Also, knowing exactly what I needed to fulfill with New Haven Promise. I know that everything I discovered, such as places to obtain community service or the assistance I required, I had to find on my own. As a high school student, when first entering, we had the freedom and independence to find opportunities, but Summer Bridge helped to provide some upfront. This Summer Bridge program helped these incoming freshmen to acquaint themselves with each other and establish a support network before starting high school. Which I feel like was a great addition to Metro.”
Throughout the Summer Bridge program, students initially unfamiliar with each other formed close bonds by the end of the week, expanding their social circles to include as many as 13 peers. The students’ engagement in silent reading significantly improved. On average, each student read between 20 and 50 pages during the week. The success of this year’s program has paved the way for a promising future for the Summer Bridge program at Metro. Reflecting on the positive outcomes of this summer, we eagerly look forward to continuing this program in the coming years, ensuring that every student feels welcomed, supported, and prepared to succeed.
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