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Schools

Students Dive into the Summer Services Program

The Integrated Summer Services Program is in full swing, providing a supportive and nurturing environment for Swampscott children at the Middle School.

The Integrated Summer Services Program is finishing up its first two-week session at the Middle School, with spots still available for the second and third sessions.

Session One focused on Magic and Mystery as well as math and science activities, athletic activities, arts and working with computers.

The program is open to all Swampscott students entering first grade up to entering grade six, the cost for each child is $250 dollars.

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“I encourage students in that age group to join us at the Middle School," co-director Mary Powers said. “If people have questions about the program, or want to register for session two, session three, or both, please call 617-962-7155.”

In keeping with the magic theme of the first session, the kids will get to see a magic show on Friday morning in the library. A performance by magician Mike Bent of Abracadabra will wrap up the end of the first session.

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“We moved it into the library because they’re doing work in the Little Theater,” co-director Cathy Kalpin said. “It’s a wonderful program, and I hope more kids sign up for the final two sessions.

Kalpin is school counselor during the school year, Powers teaches third grade at the Stanley School, the pair are joined by Mona Blumstein, who is the director of Special Education in the school system, and director of Student Support Activities.

Session Two runs from July 18-July 29, with the theme being “3-2-1 Lift Off, Exploring Outer Space, “ and Session Three’s theme is “Work That Body – Fun and Fitness.”

“The proof is in the pudding,” Powers said. “The kids have a great learning experience during the summer and the sessions better prepare them for their next school year, socially, emotionally and academically.”

“The program provides extended care services for kids who need help socially, and help improving how they interact with their peers,” Powers said.

The program has four teachers involved as well as six members of the support staff; over 40 Swampscott students are attending the first session.

“This has been a phenomenally successful program,” Powers said. “As a classroom teacher during the school year, I’ve seen first hand the benefits of this program in helping students.”

“This is a very structured, but very fun program,” Powers said. “The kids who come to the program keep coming back, year after year until they age out, it’s wonderful to see the progress of the students who attend the sessions.”

“I think the benefit to being in our program, compared to other summer programs is the expertise that all members of our staff possess,” Mona Blumstein said. “We have teachers facilitating the social structure and also the learning part of the program.”

Registration for the second and third session is still open; parents can call Mary Powers at 617-962-7155, or e-mail her at powers@swampscott.k12.ma.us, or contact Cathy Kalpin at kalpin@swampscott.k12.ma.us.

The second session begins on July 18, the third session on August 1.

 

 

 

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