Often Advisory is usually a place to cram in late homework, to listen to long, excessive morning announcements, and to try not to fall asleep; but this is certainly not the case for the kids in the Fusion homeroom at Newtown High School. Their morning consists of Pandora being blasted, candy being thrown at them from all directions, and creating new friendships.
“It is definitely more fun than a normal homeroom where you normally just sit quietly, but in Fusion you get to do trivia and get Rice Crispies and candy,” NHS Freshman who participates in the club, Bella Manfredi said. There is never a dull moment in Fusion, from the free t-shirts being handed out to watching music videos; it is guaranteed that no one will be bored from morning announcements again.
Being new to the school, freshmen constantly come into the school year nervous and afraid. The Fusion club tries to decrease their nerves and reassure them of their amazing four years ahead. Every freshman who applies will get matched with a junior who signed up. Pairs are matched by the freshman’s application and their interests. This process ensures a positive connection between the two students.
“My favorite part [about running this club] is stepping back and watching students make connections with each other. That’s phenomenal, that’s such a great feeling,” NHS counselor Jeffrey Tolsen, who has been the club advisor for ten years, said.
Some might recognize Fusion as an after school club due to the fact that there was no Advisory in past years. The club was forced to be held after school, which caused not as many kids to sign up, due to already busy schedules. Fusion being held in Advisory is not only convenient for the students fitting it in their schedules every day, but also for Tolson. “The best place for it is advisory, 10 minutes every day to check in with your partner. Done and easy,” Tolson said. He found that the numbers in the club went up dramatically after switching it back to the morning.
“I joined because my sister did it and said it was fun. I also wanted to meet upper classmen,” Manfredi said. This is a positive that comes out of this club. It is hard to walk out of the room without having made a single friendship. When asked about her match, Manfredi quickly said how close friends they are.
Fusion isn’t just limited to Advisory, as there are many upcoming events. Even though the club is mainly in advisory, it is highly encouraged to make time after school to meet up with each other. This year they are attending Lake Compound’s Haunted Graveyard. Tolson tries to make time for an activity every month for the club to meet. These out-of-school activities help keep the friendships strong.
“I have some kids who I’d run into that I had years ago in fusion and they are like ‘We [the partners] are still in touch after all this time!’ ” Tolson said in addressing the lifetime friendships that are created.
Manfredi said how she would definitely recommend this club to anyone. She looks forward to homeroom every morning, as it is a positive start to the day. If you are interested in participating in Fusion next year, ensure a spot by turning in an application at the end of the school year to Mr. Tolson in the NHS Counseling offices. Regardless of your interests; band, baseball, theater, culinary, etc., there is a match for you!