The Pine Bush School Board heard presentations on the district’s summer school and academy programs at its September 26 meeting.

The district provided busing for the first time which helped attendance at all levels. The district provided breakfast and lunch to the summer school students. Several administrators noted that the increase in teachers’ pay led to the programs having more Pine Bush teachers. The familiarity of Pine Bush teachers with the students also helped the programs.

The elementary school assistant principals, including Colleen Delles, assistant principal of Pakanasink Elementary School, reported on the Elementary Summer School Program. She began by saying that adding an hour to the instructional day and a fifth week to the program benefited the students.

Enrollment increased from 172 students last year to 210.

Students experienced growth from the end of the regular school year. The program used a whole child approach and students benefited from attention given to personality traits, including gratitude, perseverance, kindness and teamwork.

The program provided breakfast and lunch for the students and a grant allowed students to attend Legoland, the Farmers Market and Museum Village at no cost.

The middle school summer program also experienced both enrollment and academic growth. The program used the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Orange County to address managing emotions and stress, alcohol and marijuana, vaping and sharing experiences.

Aaron Hopmeyer, high school principal, reported on the Summer Enrichment Academy Program. He said that the program attracts students who are seeking learning beyond what is available in the regular school year.

The program includes the Aviation Academy, the Medical Academy, the Fine Arts Academy, the Advanced Manufacturing Academy and the STEM Academy.

Hopmeyer plans to create a Sports & Entertainment Marketing Academy and a Spanish Immersion Academy in 2024. He also hopes to bring back the Education Academy.