By SYDNEY LESNICK and REESA LEFKOWICZ
At the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, the high school administration implemented an updated version of the Nest program which was the initial plan that administrators envisioned. However, obstacles due to the pandemic led them to postpone it for a year and implement the modified Nest program that took place in English classes last year.
The new Nest program consists of a randomized group of students ranging from 9th to 12th graders, and one or two teachers leading the discussion. This occurs once every third Thursday and results in a revised schedule. The goal is to create a larger sense of community within the school, especially among students of different ages.
Many teachers, especially English teachers who led the program in their classrooms last year, are very excited about the update as it gives them the opportunity to meet new students. English teacher Ms. Gargiulo said, “I think the mixed grade levels will be most beneficial in the long run, and I can’t wait to build connections with even more students at JHS.”
Many students are also optimistic about the impact the program will have on the school. Senior Esther L. is hopeful that this program will make the underclassmen more comfortable with the seniors. She said, “I was always that underclassman sitting in classes with juniors and seniors, and they always seemed so intimidating.”
She hopes that the seniors will lead the program, and show the younger students what it means to be a mentor so they can assume that role when they are upperclassmen.
Co-principal Mr. Cohen is enthusiastic about the collaboration around the Nest program. “The fact that we have faculty and administration collectively on board and involved in this program is immensely successful,” he said.
While there is a lot of excitement surrounding the new program, there is skepticism about how it will play out. Science teacher Ms. Ciasulli is a strong supporter of Nest and its mission but is worried about its reality. “I work hard to bond with my students, bond with them through science and learning about who they are, and it may be redundant to do the same with students who aren’t in my classes. However, I see true potential for this program and definitely many, many areas of improvement,” she said.
Some underclassmen are having a hard time adjusting to this new program with older students. Freshman Josh L. talks about his experience and struggles in Nest because he is the youngest in the room. He said, “It gets really awkward, and especially being in a group with kids so much older than me, I don’t feel comfortable talking to them yet.” Still, he is hopeful that Nest will improve for him and other freshmen in the future.
The creators of Nest are excited to see the program grow and are confident about the design of the initiative. Jericho High School psychologist Dr. Smith worked alongside co-principal Mr. Cohen as well as many other faculty members and administrators to create the program. She said that she wouldn’t change anything about how the program is run. She is proud to be part of a school that cares so much about the well-being of its students that they would create a program such as this one.
Mr. Cohen is optimistic about the future of the Nest program. He said, “Our hope is that a stronger and even more supportive environment for our students develops here at Jericho, and I’m a firm believer that Nest is the way to accomplish that.”