Community Building in the Uppers

Building bonds in the first few weeks of school is crucial for creating a positive and supportive learning environment. Establishing strong connections with teachers and peers helps students feel safe and comfortable, which in turn fosters a sense of belonging and confidence. When students feel valued and loved, they are more likely to engage actively in their learning and take risks, knowing they are in a nurturing space. These early relationships lay the foundation for trust and cooperation, making it easier to navigate academic challenges and collaborate effectively throughout the year. Ultimately, a supportive atmosphere in the initial weeks of school sets the stage for personal and academic growth, ensuring that students can thrive both emotionally and intellectually.

The Uppers embraced the challenge of building our community with enthusiasm during the first two weeks, recognizing that nothing forges a strong group bond like an early school year adventure. Last Tuesday, we embarked on a memorable trip to the Green River, where we sought to strengthen our connections both literally and figuratively. In a caravan of vehicles, we arrived at the river with a mission: to construct community spaces using only objects found along the banks.

We began with a group discussion about the essential components of a community—schools, libraries, parks, and more—before dividing into teams to bring our ideas to life. The creativity and collaboration displayed were remarkable, as students worked together to design and build their communities. Each group’s effort was impressive, from community gardens to a fish-friendly TV station.

The presentations of these communities were as insightful as the creations themselves. Each group shared their neighborhood with the whole class, starting with “Marns and Noble,” home to a lone resident frog, and continuing down the river to explore all seven community spaces. Some groups ingeniously incorporated the river, using it as a protective barrier, a natural resource, or even a means of connecting island communities.

Following the community-building activities, we took time for quiet reflection by the river before enjoying swimming, rock painting, and relaxing around a fire. This beginning to the school year has set a strong foundation for our success, demonstrating our ability to collaborate, give constructive feedback, and enjoy each other's company.