By SEAN CHAE
Once again, Nest has been updated, this being the second time this program has been radically altered. This year there is a set schedule for Nest, with each meeting being planned and facilitated by teachers in a different subject including social studies, English, math, science, business, family and consumer science, and art classes. Students now participate in Nest periods with their classmates and their own teachers, as opposed to being put into groups with potentially unfamiliar students and teachers.
Nest is meant to be an opportunity for students to have a brief respite from the daily academic routine. It was important to help students relieve stress, especially during the pandemic. School social worker Mr. Velez said, “Being able to have that opportunity to interact with your peers and have that down period, I think, is important.”
The Nest program was established during the pandemic in order to promote the social and emotional wellbeing of students in both the middle and high schools. Two years ago, Nest was hosted in students’ English periods. Last year, students were randomly placed into Nest classes with students from other grades and every faculty member led a Nest group alone or with a partner.
Jericho High School co-principal Mr. Cohen has credited student and faculty feedback as the main reason for the new changes to the Nest program. Mr. Cohen mentioned that many students remarked that it felt like they had to start over with making connections during each Nest since the meetings were three weeks apart. Mr. Cohen said, “Another issue that we had was space, so having everyone meet at the same time meant that we were using some spaces that were less than ideal, like the gymnasium.”
Most teachers agree with the change to host Nest periods for their own students. Social studies teacher Ms. Kakounis said, “The way we’re doing it this year in our classes, for me, is more beneficial because I try to make more kinds of connections with my classes.”
In Ms. Kakounis’ Nest session, she instructed students to write inspirational letters to their future selves.
Students prefer the current Nest system to prior iterations. Junior Kevin P. said, “I think the current form of Nest is most beneficial because the previous years just did not feel as connected. I feel like the activities we’re doing as a group, as a class, are more productive than gathering children from different grades and putting them together to see each other once a month.”
Sophomore Wentao R. shares this belief. He said, “I don’t get why they would force people to interact with people they don’t know, it’s really awkward.”
Senior Noah I. also found the change in social environment to be the best improvement regarding Nest this year and said that he prefers the newest model. “We know everybody and you’re familiar with people, so we can express ourselves more,” he said.
Senior Karim T. enjoys the new program because he views it as an opportunity for a brief break. “It’s nice to change things up from the busy and competitive Jericho environment,” he said.
English teacher Ms. McGee appreciates the time Nest provides for building relationships. She said, “I love being able to spend time with my students away from academics and just get to know them as individuals.”
Despite the many steps it has taken to reach the current iteration of Nest, many feel hopeful about its future. Mr. Cohen said, “We want to make sure we continue to evolve the program and make it as best as possible.”