By:Jennifer Marino
Summer 2004 brought an enrollment of 876 students from the pre-kindergarten classes at Watson to high schoolers in Regents review classes at South Side High School. The core of the program is at South Side Middle School where grades kindergarten through eighth take enrichment and academic classes.
The program is winding up its session.The last day of classes was Wednesday, Aug. 4, and visitors' days were held on Aug. 2 for the pre-k students and Aug. 3 for those at the middle school.
Susan DeRosa, a fourth grade teacher at Covert, marked her first year as principal of the summer program. Also guiding the students were two directors, Jacques Blain at the high school and Alexis Weber at Watson. "It's a nice atmosphere," said DeRosa of the program. Not only do the students shine, but many teachers form the district also get to show off some hidden talents, such as dancing and cooking.
Besides the many teachers from Rockville Centre, there are also paid high school workers and volunteers from the middle school. These helpers assist teachers and escort the younger children through the halls when they change classes. Safety and security of students is a top priority, said DeRosa. There are six security guards throughout the building at the middle school, and there is also security presonnel at Watson and the high school.
Rocketry has been a popular class this year, with students launching their creations at visitors'day. The summer newspaper students put out two editions and were hoping for a third before the program ended.
Student take three classes that last for an hour each. Classes go from 9 a.m. to noon. Kids could choose from classes such as "Cards for Kids," which not only teaches about card games, but also sneaks in some math skills, or "Sports Sampler," which teaches students about such activities as soccer, flag football and lacrosse.
