SAUGUS — Enrichment coordinators of each Saugus school discussed the programs’ successes at this week’s School Committee meeting.
Students from the Belmonte STEAM Academy shared what they enjoyed most about their enrichment programs.
Eric, a member of the book club, said, “I get to read and make books in book club. I like coloring and reading comics, and that’s what I love about book club.”
The book club includes a 20-minute reading period in a quiet space, and it allows students to create their own mini books and learn to enjoy reading.
The academy also recently presented its first play, “The Jungle Book Kids,” through its Theater Basics club, and Superintendent Michael Hashem said it was a great show.
“I did get a chance this afternoon to attend the Theater Basics enrichment group production of The Jungle Book. It was at 3:15 p.m., and there were probably 400 people in Belmonte Auditorium. It was outstanding…and I did want to note when you put an enrichment program in, you hope that it has a big impact… just seeing so many parents and so many students there to share the experience and the kids did an amazing job,” Hashem said.
Three members of the play came to talk about how fun the program was and that they would do it again.
“I liked it because it worked on confidence and teamwork building skills because I was on the stage a lot and practicing lines…during the show, it helped me build confidence because I was scared at first, but then I got into it,” said Kyle, who performed as Mowgli.
The enrichment programs will continue throughout the year, with the winter session beginning on Nov. 11 and ending on Jan. 17. It will include the return of multiple clubs and the addition of the Kindness Club, Oodles of Music and Winter Holiday Craft.
Michael Mondello, principal of Veterans Early Learning Center (VELC), spoke next.
“Overall, I can report that we had a really major success down at the VELC…We had three programs we were able to offer…We had very good student attendance…Our offerings really targeted the developmental needs of our students,” Mondello said.
According to Mondello, all of the programs offered teach students different skills that would help them grow with their peers and develop important skills. He also said that parents were 100 percent satisfied and would enroll their children in the future.
Saugus’ high school enrichment coordinator, Rick Lavoie, also spoke about his excitement for the programs.
“We had digital photography, Mandarin Chinese, and tabletop games. On Tuesday and Thursday, we had a homework center that we opened up on our first floor for kids who needed extra help,” Lavoie said.
Despite the numbers dropping at the high school level for the programs, Lavoie was still happy seeing students in the enrichment program. He also understood that the high school students already had packed schedules with other clubs and programs.
