Patriot Path allows ‘decompression’ time

Hosted by English teacher Kristen Bergeson, “Board Game Bonanza” was a popular option during Patriot Path at Bob Jones High School. CONTRIBUTED

MADISON – Starting Aug. 18, students at Bob Jones High School have an hour every Wednesday to choose whatever path they want.

“Patriot Path is a time for students and teachers to de-stress. It also allows for many connections to occur from student to student, student to faculty, student to community and, hopefully, leading to some global connections as well,” assistant principal Amy Thaxton said.

Teachers, students, administrators, faculty and residents will lead sessions. For one-time sessions, new options will open the next week.

“Whether the students are leading sessions or are choosing sessions of interest, there is much excitement surrounding Patriot Path, ” Bob Jones Principal Sylvia Lambert said. “Opportunities are endless … and foster relationship building, creativity, communication skills and so much more.”

During home room on Aug. 18, teachers explained the concept of Patriot Path.

Coach Matt Patterson said the time gives students the “power of connections.” Social studies teacher Loren Springer asked students, “How can you best yourself?”

For their ‘paths,’ Student Connor Grant chose to play ping pong, while Suzie Glover started learning sign language. Johnathan Hampton worked to revive the campus greenhouse.

Thomas Oliver heard about the business side of sports from Coach Kevin Elwell. “This is a subject I’m very interested in,” Oliver said, “but it’s not offered as a class.”

In nine Quiet Rooms, students can “escape noise, complete makeup work, read or use a laptop,” Thaxton said. In student-led training, members of Mu Alpha Theta tutored their peers in math, with assistance from sponsor Kimberly Cox.

Micky Worley related connections between “The Walking Dead” television series to passages in literature.

Coach Caleb Rogers led various intramural sports. Band members could practice music with their instruments. Vocalists are forming both a men’s and a women’s student-led choir.

“Students can share their passion for poetry in ‘Poetry Slam’ with Nicole Schwartz,” Thaxton said. “Kyleen Edger will focus on sci-fi reading, along with Dystopian, fantasy and teen romance novels.

Bob Jones Students also can enroll n Zumba or pilates. Debbie Scott will led an introduction to CrossFit. Brandy Panagos will offer a trivia game, “Who’s the Smartest in the Land.”