My name is John Swayze, and I am the chair for the Freshman Academy at Northbridge High School. I am respectfully requesting your support for an important initiative at our school—an annual field trip for our entire freshman class to Boda Borg, a puzzle room facility in Malden, Massachusetts.

This trip is a key component of our Freshman Academy’s mission to foster teamwork, real-world problem-solving skills, and a sense of unity among our students.

The field trip is a tradition that provides students with an invaluable opportunity to engage in challenging team-building activities, work together to solve complex puzzles, and connect with their peers in ways that promote personal and social growth.

It also serves as a unique opportunity for our students to expand their personal horizons. As a public school district with over one-third of our population falling into the low-income category, this trip represents for many of our students the first opportunity to venture outside of southern Worcester County, experience some of Boston’s iconic sights, and explore a fun and educational environment.

In recent years, the field trip was partially funded by ESSER (Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief) funds, which helped address social-emotional learning gaps created by the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have made significant strides in returning to normal school operations, we continue to see the positive impact of such activities on our students’ social and emotional well-being. The importance of this trip has only grown as we work to rebuild and strengthen the connections between students—connections that were strained during the pandemic and have yet to fully recover.

The total cost of the field trip is $5,150. We charge students a nominal fee each to help cover a portion of these costs, but this only generates about $2,000, leaving us with a shortfall of about $3,200. We are seeking financial assistance to help fully fund this trip so that we can ensure that every student, regardless of their financial situation, has the opportunity to participate in this valuable experience.

The Freshman Academy was established at Northbridge High School to assist incoming freshmen in transitioning smoothly into high school and addressing the challenges faced by students who are at risk of falling behind or disengaging. With a focus on providing academic and social-emotional support, as well as interventions for students who are struggling, the Freshman Academy plays a critical role in helping students stay on track and succeed in high school. For many of our students, the bonds and skills they develop on this field trip are a key part of building a sense of belonging, both in school and in their broader community.

We would be incredibly grateful for any support you can provide. Your generosity would have an immeasurable impact on the lives of these young students, helping to create lasting memories and build connections that will serve them throughout their high school years and beyond.

Respectfully,

John Swayze