School is out for the summer, but the Queensbury Union Free School District campus is bustling! Summer Academy, Summer Success, Credit Recovery, Summer Music Academy and Q-Club are all on campus this summer, taking up residency at the William H. Barton Intermediate School and Queensbury Middle School.
The elementary school is closed this summer as renovations continue on the “Success for our Future” capital project. But over at WHBI, Queensbury's Summer Academy is off to a fantastic start, with 156 students in kindergarten through grade 5 participating in the program.
Held Monday through Thursday for four hours each day, Summer Academy provides students with engaging academic and enrichment opportunities.
Students receive instruction in their classrooms, supported by RTI teachers, and participate in a variety of special area classes, including library, physical education, art and STEM.
“This week, our STEM students are especially excited to visit the Q-munity Bus, where they are taking part in interactive activities and engaging projects,” said WHBI Assistant Principal Emily Benedetto.
In addition to their academic work, students are earning Character Cash by demonstrating positive behaviors and strong character.
“They can use their Character Cash to enter prize drawings for rewards such as appearing on the morning announcements or receiving a free ice cream,” said QES Assistant Principal Caitlin Vigliotti.
To help students stay energized, nutritious breakfast and lunch are provided daily.
“We are so proud of the enthusiasm and hard work our students have already shown,” Benedetto said, “and we look forward to an amazing summer together!”
The town of Queensbury's Q-Club is also sharing space at the WHBI this summer with 217 kids registered.
Summer Success is off to a great start at Queensbury Middle School as about 65 students focus on math, literacy, project-based learning and social-emotional learning each day.
Students entering sixth grade have additional time with their math and literacy teachers to work together in smaller groups, and students entering ninth grade are working toward their Algebra I high school credit.
Middle school counselors are meeting with their respective grade levels one day per week to focus on social-emotional learning and interpersonal skills. Students meet with their counselors in small groups, focusing on topics that will help them be successful in middle school, such as conflict resolution, study skills and time management.
“We also have 10 full-time staff members that currently work at QMS and two staff members from outside QUFSD that have been working with us in Summer Success for years,” said QMS Assistant Principal Sarah Grant. “It is a welcoming environment that allows students to thrive and feel successful while at school.”
There are 81 students enrolled in the summer Credit Recovery program, which serves students in grades 9-12. Supported by a team of four teachers, students use Edgenuity to complete the coursework needed to recover credits and stay on track for graduation.
“Throughout the day, we also build in breaks where students can relax, connect with their peers, and enjoy games like Uno and other activities, helping to create a positive and engaging learning environment,” said QHS Assistant Principal Margaret Lawrence.
Queensbury’s Summer Music Academy is underway with three weeks of enriching and fun musical experiences. Nearly 200 students in grades 4-12 are participating in seven unique sessions, including band, orchestra and musical theater.
Each session culminates in a performance, giving students the opportunity to showcase growth and share music with family and friends.
“Queensbury’s Summer Music Academy provides an outstanding opportunity for students to stay connected with music, continue developing their skills and make lasting memories with friends,” said Gregory Verheyn, chairperson of the Music Department.