Monica Baker is back for a 19th year to teach Webutuck Central School District’s English as a new language summer program that started July 22.
The four-week program kicked off with a theme for the first week of art around the world. The students started the first day in five groups – two for arts and crafts, reading, writing and games. The first week will conclude with a trip to the Wassaic Project to see an abstract art gallery with students from Webutuck’s other summer programs.
“I want them to enjoy coming here,” said Baker. “I want them to be happy and connect with friends, and feel great about the experience. But there also is an academic component. Every day, there is some reading and writing because I want them to feel very prepared going into their next grade level.
“They know that the academic portion is part of the summer program. They embrace it, get right to work and it’s a nice balance of academics, art, hands-on activities and fun.”
Baker’s trilingual class includes students in pre-K through eighth grade.
“It’s a close community of students who support each other,” said Baker.
Jose Rosales, a rising freshman, assists students in the program that includes his sister Arlet, who is entering second grade.
“I have a lot of fun because I get to have fun with the kids I know from past summers,” said Rosales, the president of Webutuck’s National Junior Honor Society in the 2023-2024 school year.
Alexa Cruz, a rising fourth grader, said, “I have a lot of fun here. I enjoy seeing my friends and the field trips.”
Webutuck’s other summer programs began July 8 and will continue through Aug. 16. The first two weeks included trips to JHK Park in Dover and the Amenia Library.
“The first two weeks have been absolutely amazing,” said teacher Collin Johnson. “The kids come in excited to learn, excited to see the teachers they work with during the school year, and we just hit the ground running. We’ve been having a great time.”
Students in the summer programs are scheduled to take trips to Kelly’s Creamery in Dover Plains, Trevor Zoo at Millbrook School, Children’s Museum in Poughkeepsie, Indian Rock Schoolhouse in Amenia and Sharon Audubon Center in Connecticut.
“It’s nice being able to do the field trips because not only do they connect to the curriculum that we’re teaching during the summer programs, they also give the students the chance to see the things offered around the area,” said Johnson. “They’re also allowed to do them with their friends.”
