Students travel the world in enriching summer program

Joseph Hunter travelled the world in a week during his Summer Enrichment program for rising third and fourth graders offered by the Webutuck Central School District. Hunter and his classmates each received a passport booklet to mark their educational journeys through Egypt, Greece, India and Norway.

“It’s been a good tour,” said Hunter. “I liked Greece because they put fancy designs on their pottery. I enjoyed India because of tuk-tuks.”

Tuk-tuks are three-wheeled vehicles used for taxi service in India.

“I enjoy coming here because it’s a short day. It’s been so much fun,” said Hunter.

On the final day of their journey, students focused on Norway, drawing the Norwegian flag in their passport booklet. Students learned Norway’s ancient history, including vikings, viking ships and Norse gods. They also watched a video from the World Cup and rowed with the Norwegian soccer players and fans.

Students finished their day by drawing the Northern Lights shining above a viking ship.

“I hope they enjoyed exploring, learning about their cultures and learning the differences and similarities with our culture,” said teacher Martina Marchese.

Around the world was one of the four theme weeks planned by Marchese. Beach, dinosaurs and carnival/circus were the other three with each theme week featuring hands-on activities with students using reading, writing and math skills.

“It’s fun,” said Marchese of the summer program. “It’s a nice, short, sweet way to really get to know a small group of children, and interact on a more personal level.”

Summer Enrichment is one of three programs offered by the district with Extended School Year and English Language Learners. Students attend school five days per week with a field trip scheduled for each Friday.

Students have visited Millerton Park, Trevor Zoo and the Amenia library and fire station. Upcoming trips are scheduled for The Discovery Museum, Hope Rising Farm and Kelly’s Creamery.

Webutuck Elementary School Principal Amanda Coppola said students are highly engaged in their hands-on projects such as building and painting birdhouses, conducting science experiments and constructing solar-powered helicopters.

“Our goal is for every student to enter the 2026-2027 school year feeling confident, prepared and excited to learn,” said Coppola. “Through these summer programs, students are strengthening their academic skills while also developing critical thinking, creativity, collaboration and problem-solving abilities.”