7th graders went on a school retreat, participating in activities both on and off the middle school campus from October 13 to October 16.
“The annual retreat aims to help students connect with kids, meet new people, and build trust and community,” 7th Grade Dean and History teacher Matthew Cutler said.
For the entirety of the retreat, the school partnered with Fulcrum Adventures, a program that provides people with dynamic learning experiences for their growth and success. The program allowed the students to take part in numerous team-building exercises, including making and racing go-karts, hiking, kayaking at the beach, and constructing about 30 bikes. These bikes were then donated to the EduCare Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides learning programs to under-resourced communities in Southern California.
The retreat provided time away from schoolwork, which was appreciated by many.
“I liked that the retreat gave me a break from homework,” Allie Beker ’31 said.
The retreat also gave students the opportunity to make new connections with their peers.
“The activities that I took part in helped me learn to communicate with people who I was not best friends with,” Anya Wu ’31 said.
These newfound relationships that the 7th graders formed while on retreat helped the students feel a part of the school community and furthered the sense of support and inclusion.
