With nearly sixty 7th and 8th grade students enrolled in our Summer Bridge Program at Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School, our team of educators and counselors are busy!
Creative, confident learners
As an extension of our Community Schools initiative, Summer Bridge is a continuation of classroom learning for math, science, social studies, and language arts, using a more interactive model than a traditional school setting.
We’ve found that hands-on, experiential learning encourages active listening and keeps students engaged. With art and music woven into the curriculum, the creative energy is palpable.
One of the goals of Summer Bridge is a smooth transition into the new school year. We want students feeling confident in their ability to flex their academic and creative muscles, particularly for 7th graders entering middle school.
Exciting, engaging enrichment
We’re delighted to be able to offer a wide variety of enrichment opportunities at Summer Bridge. Middle school students are able to choose activities they prefer – some stay in their comfort zone; while others select something brand new. Drumline, dance, art-making, comic drawing, sports, cooking and social justice – there is definitely something for everyone.
Garden to table
Summer Bridge students enjoy a nutritious breakfast, lunch and two healthy snacks each day. Middle schoolers have the option of taking a cooking class using fresh vegetables they picked from the garden at school. Educators discuss the benefits of garden-to-table eating and making healthy food choices. Students have as much fun preparing recipes as they do eating them.
There is plenty planned to get the students out and about this summer. Trips to Big Kahuna’s Water Park, Camden Adventure Aquarium, Grounds for Sculpture, Bowling and Laser Tag are all included in Summer Bridge. For the last week of our program, 7th and 8th graders will attend a week-long camping trip hosted by our partners at Princeton Blairstown Center.
Community Schools commitment
We remain vigilant in our efforts to provide comprehensive year-round services to our Community School students and families in the Trenton School District. This effort would not be possible without the support of dedicated educators and support staff, led by Mercer Street Friends’ Director of Community Schools, Bernadette Trapp.
We hope you will join us as we continue to invest in our children’s growth and wellbeing through our Community Schools initiative.
