This year, WJ has rolled out Warrior Wednesdays, a new program to give students more chances to connect, grow, and get involved. These Wednesdays are all about giving students time for activities and programs that focus on social, emotional, academic, spiritual, and physical needs.

“Warrior Wednesday is a spin-off of last year’s flex-start, but this time we’re really trying to make sure it supports the whole person,” explained Mr. Bokovitz  (Mr. Bok), Assistant Principal for Student Life. “It’s all about getting everyone involved in something meaningful.”

Warrior Wednesdays are split into two types: Maroon and Gold. Maroon Wednesdays are packed with grade-level programming like class masses, Ignatian Way presentations, and discussions on things like school schedules, technology use, and upcoming dates. The goal is to make sure everyone’s on the same page and knows what’s happening.

“Faculty have been amazing, and the willingness to embrace Warrior Wednesday has been outstanding,” Mr. Bok added. Teachers have shown a lot of support, which helps make these days run smoothly, even as students adjust to the changes.

“I think it’s pretty cool that we’re all on the same page,” said junior Rylan Batley, who likes how Maroon Wednesdays help keep students informed. “It’s way better than just getting a bunch of emails or announcements. We actually get to hear it face-to-face and react together.”

On Gold Warrior Wednesdays, the focus changes. Students can join clubs and peer groups, play intramural sports, or get academic help. One of its strongest points is that it’s built into the school day. The idea is to make it easier for students to try new things and get more involved.

“Our values on Cura Personalis are all about student balance and well-being, helping students learn how to handle stress and build community,” said Mr. Bok. “We want to help students work toward our Grad at Grad goals of being open to growth, intellectually competent, loving, religious, and committed to doing justice.”

Some specific activities, like yoga, are already drawing interest. “From a yoga perspective, it’s been a hit, with 20 students participating each time. It’s a good break in the middle of the day to think about what they need,” shared Mrs. Frye, who leads yoga sessions.

“Honestly, I like having a set time to get involved in clubs and stuff,” Batley said of Gold Wednesdays. “Trying new things is easier when it’s already part of the schedule. You don’t have to worry about missing practice or an after school job.”

However, not all students are on board with the changes. Some feel like the new schedule is disorganized or that the time could be used better. “I love going to the Sketch and Nutrition Club, but I feel Warrior Wednesdays are not as organized as they could be, and there is a better use of my time,” said junior Jaz’myn Pate.

“I think it is a waste of time and we don’t do anything. It doesn’t help with socializing, and it’s hard to remember the schedule change,” Freshman Leanne Halawi shared.

Senior Louis Geiger agreed: “We should be able to sleep in more. The silent study halls should not feel like a penitentiary.”

Despite the mixed reactions, the school believes Warrior Wednesdays offer students valuable opportunities to grow. Mr. Bok sees that some students are struggling to juggle all the options. “Having something for everyone is tough; students in several groups and clubs have to choose, and they can’t be in two places at once,” he said. “But it’s important to keep pushing forward and figure out what’s working and what’s not.”

Some students, like freshman Kaylin Owens, are already embracing the new opportunities. “It’s fun and helps me learn a lot. I also like going to photography club.”

Walsh Jesuit hopes Warrior Wednesdays will continue to grow into a regular part of student life. As Mr. Bok put it, “I hope students and teachers keep embracing these Warrior Wednesdays, especially the Gold, and let down their walls a little bit to explore new things.”

But for some students, the benefits of Warrior Wednesdays are still a work in progress. As sophomore Jacre Kidd said, “I don’t like them, they make me sweaty.”