Nearly 430 Elmont School District scholars spent part of their summer exploring new interests and preparing for the upcoming school year through the Summer Academic and Enrichment Program.

The free annual program, held Mondays through Thursdays from July 1-23, served students in pre-K through fifth grade. Each day combined academic instruction with engaging enrichment opportunities designed to reinforce learning from the previous school year while helping scholars prepare for the next. A new feature this summer is a grade-level curriculum that provides a consistent instructional framework across the program. Developed by the district’s instructional coaches and Director of Curriculum Pamela Stamidis, the curriculum provided instruction across all content areas, including English language arts, mathematics, science and social-emotional learning. Project-based learning was also a key component of the program, giving scholars opportunities to collaborate on projects that connected concepts in science, economics, geography and history. Pre-K through second grade scholars created a model garden, where they planted and grew lima beans, marigolds, sunflowers and grass while learning about the plant life cycle and the importance of caring for the environment.

Beyond the classroom, scholars participated in a variety of hands-on enrichment activities, including art, music, physical education and social-emotional learning. Each grade level also enjoyed specialized experiences. Pre-K, kindergarten and first grade scholars stayed active through Cardio Music, while kindergartners and first graders began to explore the world of STEAM. Second and third graders learned introductory Spanish, coding and LEGO robotics. Fourth and fifth graders piloted drones and expanded their knowledge of the stock market.

This year's program also featured the STEAM Read Aloud Challenge that blends literacy with project-based learning. After reading “If I Built a Car” by Chris Van Dusen and “Iggy Peck, Architect” by Andrea Beaty, scholars used recyclable materials and their imaginations to design and build their own vehicles and architectural creations inspired by the stories.

Adding to the summer fun, scholars participated in an “Elmont Road Trip” Spirit Week, with each day highlighting a different destination across the United States through themed activities and dress-up opportunities. The week began with a visit to Washington, D.C., where students wore red, white and blue, followed by stops in Florida, California and concluding in their hometown of Elmont. 

Field trips continued to be a highlight of the program, giving scholars opportunities to extend their learning beyond the classroom. Fourth and fifth graders enjoyed a bowling outing, kindergarten and first grade students visited the Cradle of Aviation Museum, and second and third graders explored the Center for Science Teaching and Learning. On July 9, all scholars participated in the in-school "Air, Air Everywhere" presentation by Mad Science, learning about air pressure and taking a spin on a Hovercraft. 

The program concluded with the Summer Showcase and Art Exhibit on July 22, where scholars displayed their STEAM Read Aloud Challenge projects, demonstrated their robotics and drone skills, and exhibited artwork created throughout the summer.

The Summer Academic and Enrichment Program was led by Co-Principals Rita Johnson and Samantha Magaraci.