SOUTH GLENS FALLS — The South Glens Falls Central School District is pleased to announce the return of its popular free summer learning programs for students from kindergarten through 12th grade. These programs provide enriching academic and extracurricular activities to keep children and teens engaged and learning during the summer months.
“We’re thrilled to once again offer these valuable summer learning opportunities at no cost to our families,” said Kristine Orr, superintendent of schools. “Our summer programs allow students to explore new interests, review crucial academic skills, and prevent summer learning loss, all while having fun. Importantly, there will also be dedicated opportunities for students to explore wellness activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. These offerings aim to nurture the whole child during the summer months.”
The summer learning lineup includes:
In a showcase of artistic talent, grades 7-12 students will be preparing and performing the beloved Disney musical “Beauty and the Beast.” Not to be outdone, grades 4-6 students will be producing their own musical act called “Making the Band.”
A full slate of STEM courses promises to ignite students’ curiosity about science, technology, engineering and math. Highlights include creating original animations, deconstructing complex designs, wildlife exploration in nature, and even an up-close look at crawfish habitats.
For the literary-minded, the summer reading program is offering a variety of engaging options. Students can be “book buddies” and bond over shared reading experiences. There are also classes on book creation, writing and drawing graphic novels, and combining reading with cooking lessons.
Prioritizing student well-being, the district has tailored courses involving mindfulness, board games to promote critical thinking, and an immersive college tour experience. High School students will have the opportunity to travel to the Burlington, Vermont area to explore universities and visualize their college futures.
All programs are taught by South Glens Falls faculty and run throughout July and August. Space is limited and advance registration is required. These programs are only open to students in the South Glens Falls Central School District.
The Summer Learning Opportunities program began in the summer of 2021 in response to a school year where students missed out on many of the extracurricular activities that are typically offered. SGF utilized federal funding to pay for the program to ensure summer enrichment classes were accessible for all students, regardless of financial circumstances.
In response to the unprecedented success the district saw, the decision has been made to use new state grant funding the district received this year to continue the program into the summer of 2025. If demand remains high, the district will consider seeking further funding to keep Summer Learning going into future summers.
The much-loved Bulldog Book Bus will also be back on the road starting on July 9. The book bus makes three stops a day on Tuesdays and Thursdays across the district to provide children with an opportunity to check out a book, grab a STEM kit or pick up some coloring pages.
“The Bulldog Book Bus has become a much-loved summer staple in the community. On the first day, we have a line of children waiting with anticipation for its arrival,” said Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Tim Dawkins. “This is a heartwarming opportunity for us to bring the joy of reading closer to our students, and I am so thankful for our district library media specialists who make it a reality each summer.”
For a complete course catalog and to sign up, visit our Summer Learning 2024 website for more information: sites.google.com/sgfcsd.org/sgf-summer-learning-2024/home.