Summer Learning 2009

This newsletter attempts to record some of the highlights that our students experienced during the six weeks Summer Enrichment Program. Before going into detail, a big thank you to our host the Emerson Elementary School which provided the beautiful setting and modern facilities to make this year’s program technologically enriching.

This summer, the Fourth Grade students were introduced to activities based on the AVID Elementary Model (Advancement Via Individual Determination) which concentrates on students demonstrating a high level of learning skills that consisted of: Writing; Inquiry; Collaboration; Organization; Reading and Student Success. The summer’s core novel A House on Mango Street provided students the opportunity to demonstrate their capacity to ask thought provoking questions; make personal connections; and related to world events.

Students reinforced their math skills in the areas of multiplication, division, decimals and fractions. Technology was infused by the implementation of the Smart Board and the computer lab.

The Imagineering Program, introduced students to the basic concepts of engineering. Students were enlightened to the many careers that relate to engineering and the beautiful creations that engineers are responsible of achieving. Students were divided in groups of four and each group worked in a collaborate effort to overcome obstacles that engineers face on a daily routine. Towards the closing stages of the program, each team planned and designed a roller coaster model using the basic engineering concepts that were introduced during the program.

Our Fifth Grade students were very busy, as well. Mathematics focused on both problem solving and skills. Students worked on many topics using math games and the Smart Board. In addition, students worked on multiplication and division of two and three digit numbers as well as addition and subtraction of fractions with unlike denominators. In algebra, students continued to work on pan balance and double pan balance problems to lay a foundation for solving algebraic equations and spent time reviewing data landmarks.

In Language Arts, the fifth graders read Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. Using the book to work on different themes such as standing up for what is right and being honest. In addition, the book was used to focus on skills, such as topic sentences, finding details, root words and word endings, and character traits. As a culminating project, some students created a skit of a scene, while others worked on a written project such as turning the book into a children’s picture book. In addition, students read Misty of Chincoteague, which gave them awareness on how to incorporate figurative language and interpreting text.

Our Bilingual First and Second Graders have been busy reading and responding to great literature, brushing up on their mathematics skills, writing a research report on animals, and creating a travel brochure to showcase their native countries. Their brochures highlighted their country’s main attractions, food, sports, and fun activities. The brochures included a map of their country as well as airfare and hotel costs for those who wish to visit.
In the afternoon, a group of students worked on designing and building a model roller coaster via the Imagineering Program. While the other group focused on making connections between Art and Science, creating art by using recyclable materials and objects found in nature.

The Art & Science Enrichment Project provided appropriately challenging experiences that enhanced learning and development outlets for creativity, problem-solving, and higher thinking skills. Students worked effectively, both independently and cooperatively, on projects that integrated visual arts with the science curriculum. The class also built upon each student's strengths in literacy. Students participated in the Plainfield Public Library's Photography Contest. Other projects included environmental art & art with recycled, reusable materials.

Special “Thank you” to our Summer School Staff:

Ms. Amy Brown, Ms. Monique Smith, Ms. Melinda Sooby, Ms. Shirley Clore, Ms. Amelia Betancourt, Mr. Kevin Coleman, Mr. Steve Stibich and Mr. Juanpablo Jimenez.