Smart-Girls Makes Smart Choices
Artwork by Mia Nogueira
At Thomas Jefferson, there is a new club called the Smart-Girl club, run by Erin Thompson and Liz Buffington, which is intended for chosen freshman girls to help them become future leaders in the TJ community, and is held on Wednesdays after school from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Buffington and Thompson have put a lot of time and thought into this club, choosing a selected group of freshman girls to participate and take advantage of this opportunity. These girls are expected to continue to interact with this club for the four years they are here at TJ. “We have chosen freshman girls that have true potential in becoming leaders for the future,” said Thompson.
The club’s purpose is to help young girls grow and get used to high school and all the things that come with being a high schooler. “This is not just a regular club for girls; Smart-Girl Club is about empowering young girls to becoming future leaders,” said Thompson.
“It’s very important to have a club like this because TJ is a small community and it helps build self-confidence for girls who will become leaders and help lead in the community,” stated Thompson.
Smart-Girl Club uses a Smart-Girl curriculum which is state wide that has the suggested session outlines. They have fourteen different sessions that include exercises that focus on teamwork, team bonding, communication skills, problem solving, bullying and self-confidence.
“When we talk about things outside of school and bring it into school, like relationships, friendships, and things like teamwork, we have a better chance of helping these girls become better students overall,” said Buffington.
The girls do a variety of activities and games for every session that help with team bonding and being able to open up to each other. “I like the environment; it’s a really fun place to be, and the activities are really fun and it allows you to open up,” said Breanna Redmond, a Smart-Girl.
The Smart-Girl club has a specific goal of really helping the members grow as young women. “I like how you can talk about anything and it won’t be said outside of class. And it’s a small group of girls so it’s a comfortable environment,” said Jessica Byrnes, a Smart-Girl. “And Mrs. Buffington and Mrs. Thompson allow you to be yourself; they don’t judge anything you say or do,” Jessica added.
Thompson and Buffington feel that the Smart-Girl club has been a success and they are hoping TJ can learn about self-confidence, team building, and working together as a community through their example.
