Schools

Summer Enrichment a Success for Students

About 460 students participated in the program at the high school this year.

 

Learning did not stop for some students this summer. 

The district's Summer Enrichment program began just six days after school ended on June 26. About 460 kept their minds active for the next few weeks taking five classes a day at the West Orange High School. 

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“The program is successful because the teachers are doing a really great job in teaching the students, and the program provides students the opportunity to stay engaged during the summer months," said Louis Quagliato, program director. "The students enjoy their time spent and always look forward to returning the following year.”

Students created their own schedule by selecting classes from a wide variety of courses in the fine and performing arts, science and technology, mathematics, physical fitness, specific sports such as baseball, and drama courses.

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The summer program, which ended July 20, program has continued to grown over the years, said Quagliato.

Christine Jean-Baptiste, who will be entering third grade this year, said, “I liked summer enrichment because it gave me a head start to school. I also really liked extended day because the fun was nonstop.”

Sabrina Kist, who is entering fourth grade, agreed.

“It was the first time I learned to play a musical instrument and I absolutely loved it," recalled Sabrina Kist. "The violin is my favorite and I can't wait to play it again in the school orchestra this fall."

Sibling Luca Kist, also entering the fourth grade, chimed in and said, “My favorite class was gym jamboree. It was my first activity every day and I rushed my mom through breakfast every morning so I wouldn't miss a minute of it."

Quagliato said some of the most popular classes are in the fine arts, such as ceramics because children enjoy working with clay. Equally desirable were the science and technology classes because of the hands-on projects.

“Students are intrigued by the science experiments where they mix properties to create an outcome, such as slime,” Quagliato explained. 

At the conclusion of the program, students in the music and drama courses participated in performances for their parents and guests.

Hunter Bonaparte told his mom afterward, “I couldn’t believe you signed me up for acting. I was so mad. Until, I went and it was so cool being on stage!”


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