By Eva Ebbert

School events this winter have been very fun and engaging to the students this year. In this article, we will dive into the thoughts of a few students in the 7th grade and what they think of this year’s winter events!

First, no surprise at all, many students in the class would say that the 7th grade field trip to Westminster Woods was their favorite school event this year. Fellow nature-loving student, Sophia Magnan, was very sure of her answer, stating that the field trip was a very satisfying bonding experience to connect with new and old friends. Another student, Allison Pollock, otherwise known as “Allie,” asserted that Westminster successfully and wholesomely “brought our class together in many different ways.” One way being in teamwork, another in getting to know and understand other students in bold, creative styles. Lucia Jordana, stated “Westminster because it was a good experience overall about nature and the food was exceptional,” which was the thought of a majority of the class.

Events like these, such as school-wide activities and fun winter-themed exercises, bring the school community together in many ways. Allie stated that “these winter events create a sense of teamwork and wholeness…,” claiming that engagements like these create memorably wholesome experiences that add to the fun of the school year. Students claim that getting to know other schoolmates and spending time with friends really brings the school community together. Lucia said, “I think they bring us together by a sense of community, encouraging teamwork, and creating shared experiences,” tying together the claims of other students. 

Although these events have positive effects and impacts on the community, some students think that the school should change or add new factors to the winter period. Students have quite different opinions on what should be changed.

Allie thinks having more rallies will significantly boost school spirit, additionally stating the school doesn’t have many rallies throughout the year, especially during winter. Sophia thinks that adding a field trip to go somewhere snowy would be a fun experience. Though there are field trips to cold places, she specifically thinks that a snowy area would add to the winter festivity. Lucia had an interesting thought, stating, “Easy, easy. I would add gingerbread-house making as a class activity or something.” Possibly being a controversial thought, there is a chance that it would definitely bring more school spirit.

Speaking of school spirit, these students were asked how they think these events impact school spirit. Allie thinks that it helps the community feel excited and enthusiastic for each other, creating a sense of selflessness. Sophia said, “It brings school spirit because we all look forward to field trips and other events because we get to have fun as a class.” Lucia poetically stated, “Yes they do because they create a sense of warmth during the cold, harsh weather and encourages students to come together as a community.” A vast majority of students believe that these events positively impact school spirit.

The final question that the three answered was if these events helped students stay connected and engaged to the school. Allie easily thought, “Yeah I think they do help students connect, I have met some really good friends at rallies so they really help bring us together,” a relatable and unifying answer. Sophia simply said that they help students bond and make deeper connections with each other,  a revolving answer around the class. Lucia stated, “Yes the festive activities really highlight the winter spirit which I think helps the students stay connected with the school.” 

Overall, these winter events have proven to be well-liked, memorable bonding experiences. Even with their own minds, students have similar, reasonable thoughts that are unified in their support of a variety of school events.