Early last week, US French Teacher Sophie Kerman, US Chemistry Teacher Mallory Schmidt, and members of JCLC sent out an RSVP form to the junior class for an optional lunch over google meet on May 11. The goal of the meet was to “create some opportunities for Juniors to hang out as a class” Kerman said, even if the students weren’t together in person. Students were to be put into random groups of eight, so as to separate social groups and allow people to branch out. Due to Junior Retreat being canceled this spring, faculty and students on JCLC have been working closely together to try and engage the junior class in ways similar to the retreat. The retreat is an event that is known for bringing classes together; it allows students to interact with peers that they might not seek out under normal circumstances. Its cancellation has taken an important piece away from the junior experience, however, students should expect to hear news regarding the possible rescheduling of the retreat in the near future.

As for the lunch meeting, it was canceled due to a lack of interest. When asked if JCLC would attempt another lunch meeting on the following Monday, Kerman was doubtful; “…now that the sync classes are meeting more, people are feeling less of the need for different ways to connect,” she said.
When asked about why he didn’t attend the optional lunch, junior Anthony Chen said it simply was because it wasn’t mandatory. “[The retreat] is convenient, because you’re forced to make new connections. And that’s just really nice, especially for people who tend to stay with friend groups or within the people that they know. It’s a great opportunity to reach out and get to know more people,” Chen said. He sees potential in the weekly meetings but feels that making them mandatory would provide better results than if they’re opt-in.
As for other ways in which SPA is trying to build community, advisories still meet once a week, giving students time to relax and unwind with their peers and advisor. As the school year comes to a close and summer begins, students will continue to expect opportunities to maintain and build upon the connections that SPA’s community provides.