SAUGUS — Superintendent Michael Hashem said after the success of the pilot enrichment program, it will continue, offering after-school activities to those at the Belmonte STEAM Academy and Saugus Middle School.
The enrichment program, which is set to make its return in mid-September, had its test run over a period of six-weeks earlier this year and was hailed by Hashem as one of the initiatives he is the most excited about implementing.
“Right now we have people working to get the program staffed,” Hashem said.
Hashem said students and parents will be notified once the necessary staff is retained for the enrichment program and the offerings are decided on.
“They’ll be able to register and sign up, and hopefully they get their first choice,” Hashem said.
He said the program will be held two times per week, over a period of six weeks, with four sessions throughout the school year.
Hashem said there will be a “week or two break” in between sessions which will provide time for those involved with the program to reflect on what is drawing student interest, and give them an opportunity to reevaluate.
Hashem said during the pilot program, one thing was made clear — there was a desire within the district for these types of initiatives.
He said that the newspaper club and the arts and craft club were popular at the Belmonte, as well as the drama/theater club.
“You never know what is going to be the hot topic of the day and we are trying to mix it up,” Hashem said, referencing the aforementioned newspaper club. He said at face value is not traditionally academic, but it engages students in learning important academic skills such as reading, writing, proofing, researching, and collaboration.
“There’s so many of the skills that we want these kids to have,” Hashem said. “It’s not necessarily E.L.A. (English Language Arts) out of a textbook.
“It’s real world…hands-on experience. I think that’s crucial with the learning process,” Hashem said.
He said these programs will benefit students at the Belmonte STEAM Academy, as well as the middle school, who lack the after-school programs that high school students are offered.
“It’s really amazing for the school, and for the district as a whole, because I really believe (in) focusing on the whole child, and looking at kids strength and interest(s) in helping to find…the different areas for students to feel successful and enjoy,” Principal at the Belmonte STEAM Academy, Dr. Maureen Lueke, said.
Lueke said she had received feedback from teachers who were involved in the pilot who said they were interested in enhancing the program.
She said activities, such as having students present their work for their families is something that could be of interest, ideas which she shared with Hashem.
Lueke said that the size of the clubs will likely remain the same, around 15 to 20 students per club, but that there will be a wider variety of activities offered this time around, allowing for more participation.
“I’m very passionate about making this a success,” Lueke said. “There’s so many positives coming out of this.”
