“Alright, Stop! Collaborate and Listen”

By: Alaysia Curry and Daylun Armstrong

September 14, 2021

It is a new school year, which means new programs are being implemented at Brooklyn High School.  One of those programs is titled I.C.E. Block.

BHS Assistant Principal Matthew Larson was not shy in raving about this program and all of its benefits.

When asked what I.C.E. Block stands for, Larson responded as follows: “I.C.E. Block is an ungraded course that lasts for 40 minutes and meets daily. The letters stand for Intervention, Collaboration, and Enrichment.”

The idea for this program came from Mr. Brian Hare (BHS Principal), but the faculty played an important role in its development, too.

“Brooklyn teachers were an integral part of the planning and provided information about similar programs that had been run before,” said Larson. 

A lot of students have been asking why this program was incorporated this year. The short answer is that it focuses a lot on the mental and emotional well-being of all BHS students.

“Our district is well-aware that, beyond the physical impact COVID may have had on our lives, it has also impacted us emotionally. We want to create an opportunity for our school to meet students where they may be emotionally. We, as a school, have to recognize that some of our students are experiencing their first ‘normal’ school day in 18 months. We wanted to create a chance for students to interact with one another and their teachers in a non-graded, collaborative environment,” said Larson.

Superintendent Dr. Ted Caleris, Hare, Larson, and the BHS faculty believe that this program will only be a positive for the student body.

“Our biggest hope is that students will feel a greater sense of connection to one another and their teachers. For our teachers, we want an opportunity for them to not worry about curriculum and testing while still interacting with our amazing students. Ideally, we want students to develop into school leaders through more chances to collaborate with one another. We are very dedicated to making this idea work, and we hope it is something other districts will look to for inspiration,” stated Larson.

I.C.E. Block is new, but it is already gaining positive momentum with Hurricane Nation.  Everything takes time, but the response has been positive and uplifting.

{Editor’s note: Now, if only Mr. Larson would dance to “Ice Ice Baby”!}