[PHOTO] ECMS-Gardena students enjoy their day at Del Cerro Park on the last day of Summer Bridge 2015.
Every summer, just a few weeks before school begins, we host Summer Bridge sessions at each of our campuses in an effort to help incoming students prepare for success at ECS. At ECHS, teachers and upperclassmen, who served as mentors, hosted a two-week orientation for the incoming 9th graders, which included classes like Literacy Bootcamp, Computer Skills & Organization, Multiple Intelligences and ECHS Culture. Students also enjoyed three field trips: a hike in Palos Verdes, a scavenger hunt at Loyola Marymount University and a beach cleanup in San Pedro. New 6th grade students at ECMS-Gardena and ECMS-Inglewood enjoyed a week of learning the ins and outs of life at ECMS. More than 100 new students were greeted by their Environmental Charter High School mentors who led them in special ECMS classes such as Green Ambassadors, Games and Movement, English and Transition to Middle School. Students became acquainted with their peers, teachers and the ECMS community culture. Students wrapped up their week with a beach clean-up hosted by Heal the Bay. Parents, teachers and mentors joined them for a family-style potluck.
“Summer Bridge is so special because it encompasses what ECS is all about: community, family, environmentalism and learning. I love to see the incoming students so excited to be a part of our community.”
– Geneva Dowdy, ECMS-Inglewood Counselor
Starting a new school with new classmates can be daunting, and Summer Bridge is aimed at creating a welcoming experience during which students are immersed in the collaborative culture of ECS. Students have the opportunity to connect with mentors who walk alongside them throughout the school year and parents are given the opportunity to get to know the ECS staff who will be leading their students’ journey through a rewarding, rigorous, college-prep education.
[PHOTO] This group of ECHS students take a trip to Loyola Marymount University to get early exposure to life on a college campus.
[PHOTO] New 9th graders, who chose the name "Ninja Turtles" for their advisory group, begin their Freshman year with a hike.
“We had an amazing time getting to know each other. I am beyond honored to call my classmates my tribe and could not have asked for a better group of mentees. I look forward to accompanying them on their high school journey!”
– Sonia Estrada, Summer Bridge Mentor, ECHS 11th Grader
If your student is interested in attending ECS, please contact the appropriate Front Office Staff (High School in Lawndale, Middle School in Gardena or Middle School in Inglewood) for information about attending a campus tour or the application process.
