Submitted by Kellie Maybee, Cattaraugus Education Department
What a unique and exciting SEARCH Summer Program we had this year. While maintaining COVID safety procedures, we managed to have a fun and educational program with a great group of students and staff. Our focus this year was on honing our ELA and math skills. Even in the midst of the summer, the students managed to show off their impressive knowledge in these areas, as well as garnering new information and skill sets.
With the 2020 Olympics going on, albeit a year late, we immersed the kids in the history of the Olympics and spent time actually watching many of the live events! They created their own jerseys, and we had multiple events in which they had an opportunity to win medals. These events included physical, mental and moral challenges! Keeping a daily updated medal count for the actual Olympics, as well as in the classroom, was a group favorite.
We had plenty of time for other fun activities like: fishing, tracking walks, crayfish “hunts”, a trip to Evangola State Park, lacrosse, swimming, history day, wellness, mental health culture and language sessions and crafting. The students really enjoyed making dream catchers and wampum belts. 4 square tournaments took center stag4e, this summer, as a great bonding experience for our group.
We had a blast together and feel more confident about heading into the upcoming school year!
Thank you for a great summer!
