Looking Ahead
As teams begin to plan for next year, Matt is already thinking about what comes next. There’s room for tweaks — maybe a better sound system, or some small-group competitions to boost engagement — but the heart of the program is strong.
Thanks to three years of partnership between Tuftonboro School and Kikori, Bridges Day is no longer just a rite of passage. It’s a meaningful, memorable, and deeply human experience that gives students what they need most before a big transition:
Connection. Courage. And the belief that they belong.
Behind the Scenes: A System That Worked
What made this year different wasn’t just the activities — it was the structure behind them. Matt, with support from Kikori, worked with school teams to create a strong foundation:
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Pre-event training for staff, including a practice run and de-escalation strategies
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Clearly defined staff roles (leaders vs. observers)
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A well-organized packet with 95% of materials “right on target”
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A schedule that was tight, clear, and easy to follow
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And for the first time — not a single student had to be sent home
Veteran teachers stepped up to guide newer staff, turning the day into a professional learning opportunity as well. There was even an impromptu dance break between activities — a spontaneous moment that somehow made everyone feel like a team.
Crossing the Bridge
into Middle School
For Tuftonboro School Counselor Matt Tetreault, helping students feel a sense of belonging has always been the goal. Over the past three years, he’s been working closely with Kikori, a platform that brings experiential learning and social-emotional growth into classrooms and communities. Together, they’ve embedded connection-building practices into daily school life — and this spring, that work expanded beyond Tuftonboro’s walls.
This time, it was about something bigger: Bridges Day. Every year, sixth graders from across the Governor Wentworth School District come together for a single day before they move on to Kingswood Regional Middle School (KRMS). It’s their first chance to meet future classmates from different towns — and it can be exciting, awkward, and even overwhelming.
This year, Matt and Kikori helped redesign the day with a clear purpose: Play. Reflect. Connect. Grow.
Bridges Day
In Spring 2024, sixth graders across the Governor Wentworth School District came together for Bridges Day — a one-day event redesigned by Tuftonboro School Counselor Matt Tetreault in partnership with Kikori to help students build friendships, practice SEL skills, and prepare for their transition to Kingswood Regional Middle School.
Students stepped into their growth zones to build compassion, cooperation, and connection before entering middle school. 6th Grade Participants shared their learning: “Everyone is different — and that’s okay.” “We all fit in — and so will I.”
CASE STUDY
Governor Wentworth School District
Bridging the Gap: One Day of Connection, Growth & Lasting Impact
WOLFEBORO, NEW HAMPSHIRE
One Day of Connection, Growth & Lasting Impact
In Spring 2024, sixth graders across the Governor Wentworth School District came together for Bridges Day — a one-day event redesigned by Tuftonboro School Counselor Matt Tetreault in partnership with Kikori to help students build friendships, practice SEL skills, and prepare for their transition to Kingswood Regional Middle School.
the goal
“Incoming KRMS students will meet, connect, and better understand their fellow classmates while stepping into their growth zone to practice kindness, compassion, and cooperation skills that will help with their transition.”
Tuftonboro School Counselor Matt Tetreault
Real Impact Moments
100+
Students
6th graders from across the district participated
90%
Fun Rate
of students reported having fun and meeting someone new
80%
Staff Preparedness
of staff felt well-prepared for their roles
How Magic Was Made
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A homeschooled student shared for the first time
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A shy student left with a new friend’s phone number
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One staff member called it: “My favorite year yet”
Whole Group Activities
Led by Charlie Hossack to kick off energy and ease:
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Knee Tag · People to People · World Champion
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Created early laughs, physical movement, and lowered social barriers
Small Group Connections
Activities like Comfort Zones, Human Knot, and Poker Face helped students:
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Step out of comfort zones
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Reflect on emotions
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Problem-solve and build trust
Behind the Success
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Pre-event training + de-escalation tools for staff
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Clear staff roles: leaders vs. observers
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Shared feedback system to support transparency & growth
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Impromptu dance breaks = spontaneous joy
Behind the Success
A Playful Start with Big Purpose
The day began with a buzz of energy as students from all corners of the district gathered on the field. Leading the charge was Charlie Hossack, who kicked off the morning with three full-group activities designed to spark laughter, movement, and trust.
First came Knee Tag, where students darted around playfully, dodging and laughing — the ice melted fast. Then it was People to People, a quick-fire game of connection where kids found new partners with every round, high-fiving, linking elbows, and learning names. And finally, World Champion, a twist on rock-paper-scissors that had the whole field cheering each other on.
Each activity was followed by a short reflection — just a minute to pause and ask: What did we notice? How did that feel? What did we learn about each other? These games were more than just fun — they helped students let down their guard and opened the door to deeper connection.
Feedback poured in — from staff and students — and the message was clear.
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“This was my favorite year yet.”
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“We saw real connection — faster than we expected.”
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“It was just fun — and we needed that.”
Students shared powerful takeaways on their exit tickets:
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“I can help people feel more comfortable.”
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“It’s good to put yourself out there.”
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“Everyone is different — and that’s okay.”
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“We all fit in — and so will I.”
Stretching Comfort Zones
After the group warmed up, students broke into smaller groups for a more intentional experience. They explored what it means to step outside of their “comfort zones” — and into their “growth zones.”
In one circle, a student who had been homeschooled stood up to share for the first time. In another, a shy student made her very first friend outside of her town — and left with a phone number in her pocket. Staff watched as walls came down and curiosity took hold.
Activities like Human Knot brought kids physically together to problem-solve, laugh, and build trust. Poker Face, a game about emotional expression and vulnerability, challenged students to communicate in silence — sometimes awkward, but rich with learning.
By the afternoon, students weren’t just cooperating — they were encouraging each other, cracking jokes, and finding common ground.
student feedback
“It’s good to put yourself out there”
student feedback
“I can help people feel more comfortable.”
Why It Mattered
Students didn’t just meet new peers — they practiced being open, kind, and brave. They left Bridges Day with skills and confidence that will carry into middle school and beyond.
The Kikori Difference
What set this year’s Bridges Day apart was the intentional design powered by Kikori’s experiential learning model. Rooted in the principles of Play, Reflect, Connect, and Grow, Kikori provided more than just engaging activities — it offered a framework that helped students build trust, step outside their comfort zones, and develop meaningful peer relationships. The platform’s structure allowed for clear facilitation, staff confidence, and student-centered moments of connection. Whether it was through shared laughter during a whole-group game or a quiet breakthrough in a small-group circle, Kikori helped turn a one-day transition event into a lasting opportunity for growth, inclusion, and belonging.
Case Studies
At Riverside Elementary in Jackson, MN, a powerful transformation is underway. Led by Principal Kim Meyer and a dedicated team, the school is becoming a place where every child feels seen, heard, and supported.
With three years of collaboration between Tuftonboro School and Kikori, Bridges Day has grown from a transition event to a transformational experience. Next year’s focus? Keep what works — and turn up the connection.
Read the study
Through a district-wide partnership with Kikori, LYSD has brought social-emotional learning (SEL) to life in a way that honors Yupik traditions, uplifts student voices, and fosters resilience. This is the story of how a rural district turned SEL into a pathway for healing, growth, and community revival.
At Griffin Memorial, “students thrive when they feel connected, supported, and known”. With a commitment to the Responsive Classroom approach, Griffin educators set out to create classrooms where students don’t just learn academic skills, but also build empathy, resilience, and community.
Read More
At Riverside Elementary in Jackson, MN, a powerful transformation is underway. Led by Principal Kim Meyer and a dedicated team, the school is becoming a place where every child feels seen, heard, and supported.
Through a district-wide partnership with Kikori, LYSD has brought social-emotional learning (SEL) to life in a way that honors Yupik traditions, uplifts student voices, and fosters resilience. This is the story of how a rural district turned SEL into a pathway for healing, growth, and community revival.
At Griffin Memorial, “students thrive when they feel connected, supported, and known”. With a commitment to the Responsive Classroom approach, Griffin educators set out to create classrooms where students don’t just learn academic skills, but also build empathy, resilience, and community.
