This week students and staff celebrated the first Enrichment Day under the new CJ United program. Designed to enhance students’ social, emotional, spiritual, and academic growth, CJ United builds a holistic learning environment rooted in the charisms of the Marianists and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
Enrichment block periods happen each Tuesday and focus on fostering a sense of belonging and community within the school. The first enrichment period was a collaborative effort, bringing together students and teachers from across grade levels in a welcome back to school block party.
“The event was coordinated through the Neighborhood component of our CJ United program,” said Patrick Rizer, director of student services. “Its success was based on the collaboration between adult moderators and student leaders and capitalizes on the commitment to community shared by all faculty, staff, and students.”
With five neighborhoods and seven moderators, the day’s events were a community effort between faculty and student leaders. Neighborhood moderators Erin Ketch, Jessica Kayden, Gabe Lawson, Rachel Osterday, and Katelyn DeLong worked closely with students to bring their vision to life. The students proposed the idea of a block party, and the moderators joined forces to make the event as impactful as possible.
Indoor activities included karaoke, board games, blanket making and coloring pages. The blankets made were then donated to children in need. Outdoor activities consisted of sidewalk chalk, yard games, bubbles, and face painting. Volleyball and basketball games also provided students with the opportunity to engage in friendly competition. The enrichment period was filled with engagement and family spirit.
“The first major neighborhood activity brought together students across grade levels to spend some social and community building time together,” said Greg Mueller, principal. “The first success of the day was seeing students smiling, having fun together, and making memories. Days like these are great as they provide planned opportunities for students and teachers alike to bump into one another and develop deeper relationships – a major aspect of our mission as a Marianist and Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur school.”
The support from the entire faculty was evident, as everyone stepped up to contribute to the event’s smooth execution.
“It was incredible to see our students take the lead in planning an event that truly represented their vision of community,” said Katelyn Delong, English teacher and neighborhood moderator. “The block party not only brought smiles to faces but also reinforced the values that make CJ such a special place.”
The first Enrichment Day was more than just an event; it was a powerful demonstration of family spirit, collaboration, and community. As the school year progresses, CJ United will continue to provide students with opportunities to grow, connect, and thrive in an environment where all are welcome.