Are you ready to learn and play? Go to room 128, with Ms. Crouse and have fun. photo by Ta'Shiaia Box
The card game bridge is revived at Thomas Jefferson High School.
A Thomas Jefferson High School math teacher is cited to share a unique opportunity with Spartans. TJ is always open to new clubs for students to participate in, learn new things, and of course, have fun. September 29th was TJ’s first ever Bridge Club meeting. Not many people know what bridge is or how it’s played. Maria Crouse gives students the entire run down with a little twist. Bridge is a card game of partnerships. Usually, someone would play in a group of four people, and it’s all about tricks and risk-taking to gain as many points within that partnership. The game involves strategy, requiring the players to really think about what they are doing and what cards to put down. Unfortunately, it’s not as well known as it used to be in the USA, given that the average age of bridge players is 60, according to a NY Times article.
Crouse went to the Colorado Council of Teachers of Mathematics (CCTM) conference over the summer and she was intrigued by a mention of bridge. “I had never heard of it or played before,” she said. The CCTM conference is where math teachers, researchers, and other educators come together to create opportunities for students. Crouse has been teaching at TJ for three years, and before her teaching career, she organized huge hiring events and orientations in Human Resources. Crouse loves learning new things and sharing her knowledge with others. She stated, “I come from a family of teachers and my grandfather told me education was the one thing no one can take from you.” After more conversation with a woman attending the conference, Crouse discovered that there was a program dedicated to playing bridge and competing with others, called The American Bridge League. If a school wants to create a bridge club, the program will provide all materials needed for the club. If it gets enough engagement, there are competitions that schools can compete in, including championships out of the country. The current American bridge team, composed of kids of all ages, just returned from a competition in Italy.
Crouse is extremely excited to begin the new journey at TJ with all Spartans who are interested. Crouse stated, “I’d be learning as well, it’s all a learning experience. Anyone can join the Bridge club whether they have experience or not. There will be prizes sent to the TJ club, so students who join can make their own championships during club days. The club also involves other card games on occasion, such as poker and solitaire. Students will not have to provide any game items, although they will have to provide their own lunches for the beginning weeks of the club. The club will meet Monday in room 128 during 5th period lunch. Spartans, be sure to check out this amazing new club!
