This quarter, Fitch students were introduced to a new system implemented in CTL designed to strengthen student connections.
Within the last two weeks, ABC² Chats and SEAL CTLs were unveiled on Fridays, during which teachers and administrators discussed progress with students. ABC² stands for “Academics, Behavior, Credit & Connections,” while SEAL stands for “Social Emotional Academic Learning.” Unlike last year, when almost everyone used CTL as a study hall or break time to recharge for their next classes, this year, the admins decided to add variety to CTL. ABC², also known as Attendance, Behavior, Credits, and Connections, is used to make sure students are on the right track. Once a month, during CTL, students are to fill out charts and discuss them with their teachers. Social Emotional Academic Learning, or SEAL, on the other hand, is hosted twice a month on Fridays. During these events, teachers volunteer to host an activity; students are to fill out a form to join these events.
A lot of students across the country often leave high school feeling like no one really cared about them. This system is in place so our students don’t have to feel that way. “More than 119,000, or about 19%, of young people in Connecticut between the ages of 14 and 26 were at risk or ‘disconnected from high school ‘ in 2021-22, according to a new Dalio Education report released Wednesday morning.” These students felt ‘disconnected’ due to not having any support system or friends during high school. The ABC² sessions were added for this, as students can reach out to their teacher and form bonds. The teachers are to listen to their students, helping them through tough times, and finding their personal strengths. Teachers will also discuss attendance and anything else a student might be struggling with.
SEAL, on the other hand, is for students to connect with each other rather than the teachers. While teachers do host the sessions, students are the ones picking them, allowing them to meet new people who possibly have the same interests as them.
“The Purpose of doing ABC was that all students could use this support and would benefit from a monthly conversation with an adult in the building. While SEAL is to do something fun in CTL and connect differently,” said Assistant Principal Amy McKenna. “We hope they can support our vision of the graduate, RISE, and help the kids be more independent and reflective about high school and beyond. Also, we hope to help them make strong connections to the community and to each other.”
Though the CTLs are meant to help students make strong connections with the community and with each other, some students do have mixed opinions about both ABC² and SEAL CTL.
“ I don’t really like the ABC² thing. I feel as though this new rule just wastes useful time that could be used for more productivity on assignments,” said junior Andrew Mitchell. “But I think it’s a good thing for SEAL CTL because if people want something to do during CTL besides talking with friends and doing work, they have something to sign up for, which is also optional and makes CTL a little less boring.”
Everything that was added to CTL was not meant to take away student study times, but instead to benefit them socially. With all of the challenges students face, the administration at Fitch hopes these changes can empower students through connections and enrichment opportunities.
