Summer
Prep 2000 Program Guide
From
Peter Pappas / Program Director / August 1, 2000
Summer Prep School 2000 has come to a
close. Nearly 100 students spent a month making new friends and improving their
academic skills. Twenty elementary, middle and high school teachers (and a
dedicated school nurse) delivered a specially designed curriculum tailored to
the needs of our students. A dozen high school and college interns assisted in
the program, serving as positive role models and establishing friendships that
will extend into the school year.
Our model builds on the active
partnership of teachers, parents, high school / college interns and client
students. It has produced excellent results with nearly one-half of our students
improving their grades in three or four of their core courses. Our program
engages students in their learning and fosters a positive attitude towards
school. Summer Prep School improves academic skills, boosts student performance
and assures success in meeting new Regent’s standards and assessments.
This summer’s program was held July 5th
- July 28th at Pittsford Middle School. Specially trained teams of
teachers provide daily instruction in English, math, technology, library
research, learning and organizational skills. Each grade was divided into small
sections. Classes were held from 8 AM - 11 AM, Monday – Thursday. Each Friday
was reserved for an activity day. This year's activities included indoor wall
climbing, ropes, obstacle courses, kayaking in the Letchworth Gorge, and even a
juggling workshop.
We believe that the cooperation and
teamwork of parent, student and teacher is essential to success. Three Parents'
Workshops (led by Dr. Gil Gockley and his wife Tanya Gockley) were offered to
support and inform the parents with practical activities and techniques in
communications, discipline, academic support and problem solving. Over 75
parents took part in the program.
The
final week was a busy one. Students completed portfolios of their work to
showcase at the family Open House.
The portfolios included samples of their work in math,
skills, English,
their personal websites,
and their technology problem solving projects. On Friday students, interns and
faculty headed to Letchworth Park
for a final activity day whitewater kayaking in the Genesee River gorge.
Our
Goal
Summer Prep targets our students
exiting 5th – 8th grade who are in need
of extra assistance. It's designed to engage students in their learning and
foster a positive attitude towards school. Our goal is to improve academic
skills, boost student performance and assure success in meeting new Regent’s
standards and assessments.
Enrollments:
- Exiting
5th grade - 48 students
- Exiting
6th grade - 19 students
- Exiting
7th grade - 16 students
- Exiting
8th grade - 13 students
Schedule
This summer’s program
will be held July 5th - July 28th at Pittsford Middle
School. Specially trained teams of teachers will provide daily instruction in
English, math, technology, library research, learning and organizational skills. Each grade will
be divided into small sections. Classes will be held from 8 AM - 11 AM, Monday
– Thursday. Each Friday will be reserved for an activity day.
Friday
Activity Days
Each
Friday, the regular class schedule will be replaced with a special activity as a
reward for a productive week. Last year's activities included indoor wall
climbing, ropes, obstacle courses, kayaking in the Letchworth Gorge, and even a
juggling workshop. See weekly schedule for event.
Pre-Program
Information Night
We
will hold a Program Information Night June 29th from 7 PM to 8:00 PM
at the Pittsford Middle School auditorium. This will give parents and children a
chance to meet the faculty and get specific information regarding student class
schedules and field trips.
Parents’
Workshops
We
believe that the cooperation and teamwork of parent, student and teacher is
essential to success. A series of Parents' Workshops will be held on evenings
in July, from 7 PM to 8:30 PM at the East wing library of the Pittsford Middle
School. These workshops are designed to support and inform the parents with
practical activities and techniques in communications, discipline, academic
support and problem solving. They will be led by Dr. Gil Gockley and Tanya Gockley authors of
Loving is Natural, Parenting is Not.
-
Workshop
series for parents of 5th graders: July 11, 18 and 25.
-
Workshop
series for parents of 6th, 7th and 8th graders: July
12, 19, and 26.
Family
Showcase Night
Our
final program showcase and pizza party will be held at the Middle School on
Thursday July 27th from 6 PM – 7:30 PM. There will be food for all
and a chance to see what we’ve all accomplished.
Attendance
Attendance is required for the 18 days of the program and
each morning the director will contact parents regarding absent students. In
cases of illness or other extenuating circumstances, the director may allow some
modification of the attendance policy after conferring with the parent and
student. Any absence that is not excused will be reason to drop the student from
the program. Since the entire program only lasts 18 days, full attendance is
important.
Student
Conduct
If a student exhibits behavioral problems, the director
will call the parent and the situation will be resolved. If the problem
continues, the student and parent will meet with the director and the student
may be dropped from the program. The rules and regulations of the Pittsford
Middle School will be followed throughout the Summer Prep School. Copies of
Middle School rules are available on request.
Student
Responsibilities:
-
Take responsibility for your learning.
-
Be an active learner.
-
Make a positive contribution in all classes and activities
-
Work with teachers to set and accomplish goals.
-
Demonstrate respect for self and others at all times.
-
Exhibit appropriate language, dress, and attitude.
-
Keep course materials well organized
-
Be on time for school and all classes.
Teacher
Responsibilities:
-
Foster student learning.
-
Regularly review student work.
-
Provide feedback to students and parents.
-
Model and encourage respect for self and others.
-
Work with students to set and achieve goals.
Parent
/ guardian responsibilities:
-
Encourage and support student learning.
-
Establish and maintain a quiet location in the home conducive to study.
-
Take an active interest in the program.
-
Provide school with prompt feedback regarding student progress in the
program.
-
Participate in the parent components of the program.
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