here - Suffield Academy

8- The Bell December 2005
Recently, the staff of the Bell
compiled a list of weekend activities that
have been held thus far in the school year.
A poll was distributed at lunch, and those
who participated gave valuable feedback
on past or current events, as well as some
events that they would like to partake
in. Among boarders, the most popular
events were the movie and mall trips,
while day students preferred the dances.
The film series sponsored by
the different clubs is the newest of the
events this year. It had a small group
of participants in comparison to other
events, but according to Mr. Eckhardt,
“the turnout was great and better than
expected.” Anna Childs ’07, a member
of Amnesty International who helped
with the club’s showing and discussion
of Hotel Rwanda, added, “at the time
this poll was taken, only Hotel Rwanda
had been shown. I feel that as time goes
on and word spreads, the film series
will become increasingly popular.”
The positive side of the results
is the fact that none of the activities were
harshly criticized. While attendance was
low for some of the events, especially
among day students, Mr. Eckhardt
understandingly acknowledged that
“while I would encourage day students
to attend weekend events, I realize that
for some it is a long way to come.”
Students were also asked to
give suggestions for possible future
events. Some suggestions were open
gym activities and games like laser
tag, capture the flag, and dodgeball,
trips to Boston, Providence, New
York, or the beach, and dances held
with other schools. Other suggestions
included trips to a wider variety
of malls, a bonfire with s’mores,
and either musical performances
or movie showings in the Union.
Lexi Bosee ’06, Student
Council Social Chair, outlined some
projects in the works, as well as her
hopes for school events. “The more
people go [to activities], the more
fun everyone will have. Last year,
everyone who went to Pearl Street
loved it. Kids loved Dance-a-thon,
and Jamfest was incredible. This
year we have dodgeball, movies in
the Union, and trips planned to New
York City [on December 11 th ] and
Northampton [on November 6 th ].”
All of the feedback for weekend
activities shows that the students who
attend enjoy them and that there are fun
opportunities for students who have yet
to join in. Mr. Eckhardt hopes that there
will be greater participation in future
weekend activities, and if anyone has
any suggestions, please contact him.
Weekend Activities Poll
Kristen Bautz ’06 and Hannah Frank ’08
Sports & News
BOARDERS
Like Dislike Haven’t Been
Film 20% 8% 72%
Six Flags 40% 4% 56%
Movie/Mall 93% 2% 5%
Ping Pong 31% 8% 61%
Dances 80% 14% 6%
Climbing (at SOLO Barn) 29% 7% 64%
DAY STUDENTS
Like Dislike Haven’t Been
Film 15% 6% 79%
Six Flags 29% 4% 67%
Movie/Mall 40% 0% 60%
Ping Pong 18% 6% 76%
Dances 78% 4% 18%
Climbing 22% 4% 74%
ENTIRE SCHOOL
Like Dislike Haven’t Been
Film 18% 8% 74%
Six Flags 36% 4% 60%
Movie/Mall 75% 1% 24%
Ping Pong 27% 8% 65%
Dances 79% 10% 11%
Climbing 26% 4% 70%
Varsity Football
photo Brooke Beatt ’06
Varsity Waterpolo
photo Erin Meehan ’06
Peter Farnsworth ’06
photo Hannah Thompson ’07
SOLO
photo Brooke Beatt ’06