This Summer was incredible, and that is solely in part of the shared collaboration between ASPIRA NJ and NPS' Summer Plus Program. 
 

ASPIRA partnered with three schools, all located in the North Ward of Newark, NJ.  Abington, Elliot Street, and McKinley, all K-8 elementary/middle schools served as the site locations for almost 1200 students from across the ward. The mission was the same as previous years - to ensure that 1) all students are exposed to STEAM, 2) maintain and retain all competencies in Math, ELA, and Science and, 3) have a fun time! "Summer Slide,"  which is the tendency for students, especially those from low-income families, to lose some of the achievement gains they made during the previous school year. 

Justin Scaglione, Program Coordinator for Abington Elementary shared his thoughts on the importance of STEAM. "This new generation of students must be prepared for a world that combines problem solving, technology and collaboration every single day. ASPIRA and NPS has ensured that we provide the necessary resources and outlets for our students to not only benefit them academically, but mentally and socially as well. we are in essence, building the citizens of tomorrow through summer programs."
 

HOW DID WE ACHIEVE THAT?

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Summer Plus began July 5th and concluded August 4th. A typical schedule consisted of NPS-driven instruction from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, then the day was extended from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM with ASPIRA NJ programming. Each day has fun, engaging activities, which were bolstered by a web-based learning and/or hands-on lesson.

The schools were charged with coming up with a specific theme. For Abington, it was superheroes; Elliot was camping and McKinley rounded out the bunch with a cruise-themed instruction, that used different geographic ports to teach everything from geography, language, dance arts and culture.
 

Our Senior Program Coordinator, Larry Sullivan gave his insights on Summer Plus and the benefits students receive from the program. "We all know that kids need to be actively engaged in the summer months. Or program provided alternatives that keeps them out of trouble and prepared for the oncoming school year. The students and their parents are extremely grateful for our program, and we are proud to be their community partner."
 

SCHOOL SHOWCASE & "FUN DAY"

At the conclusion of every program, each school hosts a summer showcase that is open to the community and the students' parents. This event allows students to show off their wares
 

In addition, the students are awarded a "Fun Day," celebration, which is a carnival style event at each location, that serves as a reward for all of their hard work and focus throughout the program. Bounce houses, carnival snacks, music and a host of other activities 
 

"I love this day," said Estefany Almonte, Program Coordinator for Elliot Street Elementary. Kids need to have a time to let their hair down and be just that...kids. healthy play through games and social interaction is part of the building blocks of a well rounded child."
 

CHECK OUT THE SLIDESHOWS BELOW

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