Oswego Summer Academy Prospers

August 18, 2008 Contributor

Submitted Article

OSWEGO, NY – The success of the Oswego City School District Accelerated Summer Academy is quite evident as once again seventh, eighth and ninth graders received a head start for the new school year.

The students and staff of the Oswego Accelerated Summer Academy gathered as the program wound down. Once again the effort to assist students gain valuable experience before the new school year was well-received.
The students and staff of the Oswego Accelerated Summer Academy gathered as the program wound down. Once again the effort to assist students gain valuable experience before the new school year was well-received.

Coordinator Catherine Celeste provided the administrative and emotional support this summer as the program has wound down and the next step will send these students continuing on their educational journey.

Celeste stressed, “This is a volunteer program and the students get so much out of this.”

This acceleration program, according the Celeste, provides for the students to receive an introduction into the first couple of months of the new school year.

They not only gain instructional advantages in the four core courses, but also have contact with their teachers.

The teachers have found this early contact with students to be invaluable.

Among the veteran teachers who joined their future students were Kurt D’Angelo, Elisa Davis, Joan DeCosa, Robyn Proud, Ron Ahart, Fred Ensworth, Mike Patane, Dan Rose, Anne Babcock, Megan Daley, Elizabeth Crannell and Sarah Williams.

Continuing Celeste noted, “This really allows for students and teachers to build relationships and communication. Students are engaged in learning and socializing. We have had numerous guest speakers, field trips and numerous hands-on experiences.”

Celeste noted, “Our field trips have included the Maritime Museum, the new city library, as well as the Railroad Museum. Other stops included SUNY Oswego for tours and the planetarium, Fort Ontario, Safe Haven Museum and Rice Creek.”

She also thanked Rosemary Nesbitt for her Oswego history and ghost story sessions.

Celeste said, “One of the exciting aspects for our ninth graders was the archeological dig which involved all four core subject matters and lots of hands-on activities.”

Students also had the opportunity to visit with Jim Howard who brought his bees to school as Howard is a local beekeeper and he explained the production of honey.

There were also numerous other educational activities which maintained the interest of the students.

The summer effort provides students with an opportunity to have much smoother transition into the next grade level.

Once again the program was conducted for a five-week period as 65 students were involved in the program Monday through Thursday.

The Summer Academy is a welcome addition to the Oswego City School District.

The concept was brought to Oswego by former middle school Principal Constance Evelyn who saw the success of this type of program at Rome Free Academy.

She presented the concept to Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Cathy Chamberlain and it continues to prosper.

The Accelerated Summer Academy has been accepted by students, the staff and district as a way of assisting students received a “head start” and once again it was a very successful summer experience for 65 Oswego area youngsters.

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