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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, skillsEnglish, 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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Pittsford Summer Prep School |  Peter Pappas, Director
 

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