This week, Early College High School (ECHS) welcomed its newest cohort of students into a brand-new building with the launch of the 2024 Summer Bridge program. Anticipation filled the air as 9th and a few 10th graders stepped onto the modern campus, ready to embark on their unique educational journey.
The Summer Bridge program allows these new students to build strong relationships and familiarize themselves with the ECHS environment. Students were divided into teams, each vying for the coveted "Golden Owl" trophy and the massive chocolate bar that came with it.
Throughout the program, students participate in various fun competitions and activities. They earn points for their teams in numerous ways: active participation, showcasing creativity, winning group competitions, passing the Texas Success Initiative Assessment (a test that helps determine whether students are ready for entry-level college coursework in the areas of English Language Arts Reading and mathematics), and promptly returning signed forms. Each point brings them closer to claiming the Golden Owl. The competition is filled with laughter and camaraderie.
A significant highlight of the Summer Bridge was the campus visit to Tyler Junior College (TJC). Students ensured their enrollment was complete and got a firsthand experience of college life. They also learned the ins and outs of being an ECHS Owl, preparing them for the school year ahead.
By the end of the week, one team will emerge victorious, and their efforts will be crowned with the Golden Owl trophy, but above all, the friendships and memories forged during the Summer Bridge will set the stage for a promising and exciting academic year at ECHS.