Meghan Glade (left) and Madeline Beckman show their school spirit on Hogwarts Day. (Photos by Erin Molinaro)

Physics teacher Jacques Duranceau dressed as Professor Snape from the Harry Potter series on Hogwarts Day.

Though the "week" lasted only three days, organizers are calling Bromfield's first-ever Spirit Week a great success, and they hope it will be the start of a new tradition.

The high school Student Council hosted Spirit Week from Wednesday, Dec. 14, through Friday, Dec. 16. The themes for the three days were "Hogwarts Day," "Comfy Day," and "Blue and White Day." Participation was tallied in each homeroom, and once the final score is determined, the grade with the most participation will get a reward.

The purpose of the event was to build camaraderie between the middle and high schools. It also provided an opportunity for the middle and high school Student Councils to work together on the planning and advertising of the project.

Student Council Vice President Brenton Stoddart said the Student Council spent a lot of time organizing the week and was very careful choosing themes. Although the Student Council sought fun ideas, its main goal was to get as many students to be involved as possible, he said.

The council wanted "to endorse school spirit and make school more enjoyable and fun," Stoddart said. "It really was a great way to bring the school together."

Sixth grade social studies teacher Sharlene Tuttle, and active Spirit Week participant, described it as "something fun for the whole school to be involved in. I love the school and want to show my spirit."

The sixth graders were very excited that their teachers were involved, and this encouraged them to participate even more.

Senior Allie Sirrine said Spirit Week was "an awesome way to bring the school together and add a little fun to the school day."

Her classmate, Alyssa Swindells, agreed.

"It really is a great way for students in grades six to 12 to connect, because usually the middle and high school are pretty separate," Swindells said.

One reason the Student Council chose last week to hold the event was that it was the beginning of the season for most winter sports. Bromfield does not have its own football team or the pep rallies and cheerleaders that tend to accompany that sport.

Student Council member and Littleton-Bromfield hockey team captain, senior Jack Landry, said he thought Spirit Week would help improve school spirit.

"Personally, I think that school spirit for sports is pretty weak, and there could definitely be more support," Landry said. "I know plenty of schools that have homecoming and spirit weeks where the entire week is based solely upon the support of a particular sport or set of sports. I think it is great that Bromfield has started this."

Associate Principal Scott Hoffman said he gives the Student Council credit for putting in the time and effort to make Spirit Week happen.

"I saw the participation increase every day and do not see why it couldn't continue in future years," Hoffman said.

Sixth grade teacher Sharlene Tuttle poses with her students during Spirit Week.