Dutchess BOCES

Dutchess BOCES Extended School Year program kept students learning and smiling this summer The program, held on Google Classrooms, has ended and soon a special video will be shared to celebrate the students’ achievements.

More than 160 students participated in synchronous learning, where students and teachers come together at a set time, and asynchronous learning, where a student participates on their own schedule with reading materials, recorded lectures, assignments and exams.

Salt Point Center Principal Melissa Murphy thanked participating families for their patience and assistance in getting everything to run smoothly.

“I think it is fair to say that virtual learning platforms are here to stay in the world of education,” Murphy said. “These are definitely trying times.”

Murphy kept families up-to-date with a weekly Constant Contact communication, thanking them for their support and feedback during the program.

“We are rocking and rolling,” she said. “We sincerely appreciate the tremendous effort and support from the families in assisting our students’ success.”

Students have participated in unique and fun activities such as a pajama dance party held on July 24 where students were asked to pick a song to dance to, trivia on July 31 and a course titled “We are Doodling with Mo Willems” where students showed off their art skills.

Even in a home environment, it is important for communication and interaction between students and teachers to continue to occur, Murphy said.

“Parents being involved in the classroom also positively impacts the social/emotional dynamic of the virtual learning environment,” she said.

Curriculum included topics including how the brain processes speech, helping students become financially savvy, and – for the parents - how to talk about COVID-19 with children to prevent them from getting and spreading the virus.

Murphy congratulated the students for their achievements during the course.

“We are so proud of all the students’ success this summer,” Murphy said.