Staff at Dutchess BOCES’ Salt Point Center are setting up their classrooms this week to host 23 classes and close to 200 students for the Extended School Year Program (ESY) making for an educational and fun summer starting July 7 and concluding August 15.
Some of ESY’s team, which includes 114 teachers, teaching assistants, related service providers, two students from the Career & Technical Institute’s Early Childhood Education program and a school social work intern spent time during the week of June 30, setting up classrooms, stapling assignments and going over what students will be reading.
The major goal of ESY is to prevent substantial regression, or a significant loss of skills or knowledge during long school breaks that can jeopardize a student’s developmental progress.
“A student who has worked hard all year to grasp a specific academic or communication skill might lose ground without consistent support over the summer,” SPC Principal Melissa Murphy explained. “ESY provides the structure and continuity needed to maintain those gains.”
The educators blend academic reinforcement with joyful and community-centered activities in the form of PBIS Fridays and this year brown-bagged lunches will be provided daily for students to enjoy at home in addition to the usual snack.
“This important addition helps to support students’ nutritional needs beyond the school day, ensuring they have access to a balanced meal even after they leave the building,” Murphy said. “For many families, this small but meaningful change provides added peace of mind and reinforces our commitment to the well-being of the whole child.” 
A walkthrough gallery highlighting student work and performances will be featured at the ESY Showcase on August 14.
“It’s always a highlight of the summer,” Murphy said.
