Aurora Martin brushes Soji at Serenity Stables in Belmont during the District’s summer program. (Photo Courtesy Barnstead School District) 
Barnstead Elementary School students plot out how they will build their model rockets during the District’s summer program. (Photo Courtesy Barnstead School District) 
Barnstead Elementary School Instructor Phil Giunta leads a group during a geocaching class as part of the District’s summer program. (Photo Courtesy Barnstead School District) 
From left, Zach Dyrkacz, Camden Drolet, and Daniel Esperti sample their results during a cooking competition held during District’s summer program. (Photo Courtesy Barnstead School District) 
Barnstead Elementary School students participate in a cooking competition as part of the District’s summer program. (Photo Courtesy Barnstead School District) 
Katie Smith shows off her catch during the outdoor adventure activity as part of the District’s summer program. (Photo Courtesy Barnstead School District)
BARNSTEAD – Superintendent Tim Broadrick is pleased to share the success of the Barnstead School District’s summer program.
More than 200 Barnstead Elementary School students participated in at least one week of the four-week program, which ended on July 29. The program was open to all Barnstead students who attended preschool through Grade 7 in the past school year.
The summer program combined fun and learning with the goals of increasing social-emotional connections, addressing learning gaps, and preparing students for the school year ahead. Activities were designed to be inclusive for students with special needs and those who required additional educational assistance.
“The best part of the summer program was hearing one of our teachers say during lunch, ‘I don’t know who this was better for, us or the students. I’m having so much fun with them,’” Director of Student Services Allyson Vignola said.” The very best learning happens when teachers are jazzed up about what they’re teaching. It’s infectious.”
Students selected activities appropriate for their age group: 3D printing, geocaching, model rocketry, horsemanship, pottery, a cooking challenge, outdoor adventures (hiking and fishing), photography, “Sensational Science,” art, and a cooking class using ingredients students gathered from local farms,
Students were supported by 28 teachers and paraeducators, plus staff from the Barnstead Adventure Zone after-school program, as well as by Salty Dog Pottery and Serenity Stables.
“This has been an outstanding program for our staff and students,” Barnstead Elementary School Principal Tim Rice said. “After 16 months of COVID-19 restrictions, isolation, and educating through technology, it was amazing to meet in-person and combine academic skill work with hands-on projects and experiential learning.”
“I was completely impressed with the program this summer. This has been so welcome after such a long time without school as we knew it,” parent Krystle Day said. “This has just been so good for my son, and I’m sure others, for social emotional well-being.”
Superintendent Broadrick congratulated teachers and staff members who organized the program.
“This past school year was extremely challenging for everyone. It was clear that the summer program needed to focus on educational activities that helped students reconnect with their peers,” Superintendent Broadrick said. “Our faculty and staff rose to the occasion. Due to their hard work and dedication, our students will be fully prepared for the new school year when classes start.”
Discover more from John Guilfoil Public Relations
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.