Fun Bear Block: CHS Students Learn, Play, and Recharge

When opening the Minga website, these are some of the classes available for CHS students to sign up for during Bear Block. Photo Credit: Xiodali Solis

Cascade High School students now have a dedicated period called Bear Block, newly introduced this year as part of an initiative by Principal James Swanson, with support from the PTSA. Bear Block occurs every Tuesday and Thursday before lunch and is a renaming of the previous “Flex period,” which was located between first and second period. Using a website called Minga, students can sign up for activities designed primarily for academic intervention, including study halls, editing sessions, and math tutoring. Some Bear Blocks also offer extensions with fun activities or allow Kodiaks with grades of “C” or above to relax and refresh between content-area classes. In addition, many Fun Bear Blocks teach non-academic skills, such as fly fishing, salsa dancing, embroidery, knitting, and other hands-on or creative experiences. So far this year, Fun Bear Block has offered students opportunities to catch up on work, try new skills, and enjoy unique, engaging activities. Students who are already caught up can enjoy a work-free, fun Bear Block instead. 

So far this year, Fun Bear Block offerings include: 

• Open Gym with Fraker (small gym) 

• Open Gym Part 2 with Fraker (big gym) 

• Cards & Cribbage with Haberberger 

• Free Drawing / Digital Art with Dillon 

• Embroidery with Rosenfield 

• Knitting with Ms. Weil 

• Learn to Dance Salsa with Robison & Rosenfield 

• Flex Fun activities, including the most recent school-wide scavenger hunt — a collaboration between Fritz and Leadership 

• 
  

These activities give students a chance to learn, relax, socialize, and try new skills. The PTSA has supported the program by providing supplies for teachers offering Bear Blocks that require additional materials, such as embroidery, knitting, or art. As this fledgling program develops, additional learning-extension offerings and helpful structural improvements are expected, giving students even more ways to engage, explore, and enjoy their Bear Block time. 

In Carl Haberberger’s Bear Block, students play Cribbage, other card games, and even poker. This Bear Block offering is always full and very popular among students. “This class I like because we learn how to game and because I also get to be with Hab,” said Olaf Saguen (12). 

Rosenfield’s class provides a relaxing space where students can choose embroidery, study hall, or free time away from assignments. This Bear Block offering is very popular among students seeking a quiet, low-pressure environment. “It gives me a break and destresses me from things that stress me out. I also wanted to try something new,” said Rylie Songer (10). 

In Open Gym, students pick between the small or the big gym and play basketball, soccer, or volleyball. This Bear Block offering is always popular and frequently booked to maximum capacity. “My favorite part about Open Gym is playing basketball, having fun with friends, and getting reps in,” said Kyler Wilder (9). 

Free Drawing and Digital Art offers a quiet space where students can color, sketch, or create digital artwork. Ms. Dillon provides all the necessary supplies, including coloring books, sketch pads, and other materials. This Bear Block offering is very popular among students looking for a calm, creative break from their academic workload. “It gives students a quiet space to do what they like,” said Dillon. 

Fun Bear Blocks provide an outlet from the daily stressors of core classes.

Without a doubt, Fun Bear Blocks provide an outlet from the daily stressors of core classes. Whether students are catching up on schoolwork, learning a new skill, trying something creative, or simply relaxing, Bear Block offers something for everyone. With the support of teachers and the PTSA, and with additional offerings expected as the program develops, CHS students have a space to recharge, connect, and grow in fun and meaningful ways.