BRIDGEPORT — Students are broadening their horizons at Bridgeport Middle School, which has recently introduced exciting enrichment courses aimed at fostering a more profound understanding of various subjects. Starting this school year, enrichment options delve into history, science, and life skills.
During designated periods, students engage in activities like researching World War II or exploring intriguing aspects of local history, creating computer code, and learning essential life skills.
This innovative curriculum was made possible through a scheduling overhaul in the middle and high schools, adding five minutes to the end of the school day, adjusting regular class times, and reducing transition times, resulting in an overall increase of 39 class hours each academic year for enrichment and study opportunities.
Teachers have embraced the chance to develop new curricula around subjects they believe will resonate with students. For instance, Teacher Kyle Turley has implemented an introduction to music history course. He explained, ‘I think it’s important to get familiarized with the very early times of music.’ He also mentioned that eighth-grade students seem to enjoy and engage with the material, gaining insights into how contemporary music has evolved.
English language arts teacher Tracy-Lynn Nguyen has introduced a coding class for fifth graders, utilizing resources from Code.org. ‘With the way that technology is going, our future students will be at a disadvantage if they do not understand technology and its various uses,’ she noted. Her students are learning the programming languages behind applications, enhancing their debugging and troubleshooting skills.
Teacher Tessa Kinsey leads a course on World War II, blending history, geography, and cultural studies. ‘It’s a great addition, having different semester courses that these kids can be exposed to and learn some more in-depth information,’ Kinsey commented, adding that student participation has been very positive.
In her health and wellness class, fifth-grade teacher Kayla Heller is actively engaging students in discussions about nutrition and emotional well-being, stating, ‘It’s important because it’s going into our adulthood. We have to be healthy to function and to have energy.’ Her curriculum encourages healthy eating habits and includes project-based activities for research.
The enrichment classes combine hands-on learning experiences with traditional learning, encouraging collaboration and creativity among students. For instance, Turley’s students use iPads to write articles and design musical instruments from the Renaissance period, while Nguyen’s coding class integrates game design elements.
As the semester progresses, educators are looking forward to expanding their courses. Turley plans to explore early 20th-century music and incorporate outdoor activities in Heller’s class. Nguyen’s students have expressed interest in hands-on projects, indicating a thriving interest in practical applications of their studies.
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