Field Trip

Summer Bridge took a field trip Friday (June 19), concluding its second week with a break from the academic rigor and a fun journey to Lowry Park Zoo.

A contingent of about 50, which included the Summer Bridge students, Jesuit High School student chaperones, and five Jesuit faculty members who oversee Summer Bridge, enjoyed a pancake breakfast and games this morning on campus before trekking to the zoo. Nearly 400 species of animals inhabit the zoo’s 56 acres, including giant Aldabra and Galapagos tortoises, tigers, elephants, giraffes, rhinos, hippos, orangutans, and penguins.

Summer Bridge is a comprehensive five-week program designed for local boys entering 6-8^th grade this fall who are conscientious students at or above grade level. Most Summer Bridge students come from Hillsborough County public schools, and the program, which is in its fifth year, is offered at a steeply discounted cost.

From 8:00am to Noon each weekday over the five weeks, Summer Bridge consists of four daily disciplines: mathematics, grammar, reading, and critical thinking. Jesuit’s Director of Community Service, Michael Miller ’09, is the Summer Bridge principal, and Jesuit math teacher Paula Collazo is the director. Also on the Summer Bridge staff are Jesuit teachers April Bombka (math), Jonathan Barlaan ’07 (critical thinking), and Rania Saade (grammar/reading).

Summer Bridge also consists of electives such as P.E.; specialty sessions in cooking, art, music, robotics, and videography; and occasional field trips such as Friday's trip to the zoo.

View a Summer Bridge photo slideshow from Friday below: