Rise to the Challenge
By Sophia Cetina
For 38 years, Challenge Camp has fostered meaningful summers for curious kids. The program, which is based at Solomon Schechter School of Westchester, is for children who have been identified as gifted, academically motivated learners. Teachers come from a variety of academic settings, both public and private, and include “professional musicians, scientists, actors, and artists.” Among them is Rye High School History teacher Sara Charles, who captivated students this summer with classes such as Civics Rocks!, Home Design Within Reach, and Her-Story. Her Civics class, for kids in grades 4-9, focused on fundamental rights — life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness — and how the government “put[s] these ideals into action.”
In addition to debates, researching bills and laws, and congressional role-playing, campers also enjoyed a week of presentations by local legislators. The kids listened while these leaders described fundamental campaign principles, highlighted the importance of activism, and offered advice to young citizens.
Fall Speed Ahead for Rye City Schools
The Rye City School District enters its second year with Dr. Eric Byrne at the helm. Dr. Byrne spent a great deal of time over the past year conducting interviews with community members, parents, faculty, and staff to get to know Rye and its people while building a strategic vision of teaching and learning for the future.
Looking ahead, Dr. Byrne intends to focus on the many opportunities he sees for growth and improvement, including more focus on students “in the middle,” creating more inclusive opportunities for special education students, offering more high-quality, meaningful professional development, thinking differently about how the schools utilize space, and improving scheduling.
The District has a new Board of Education President, Karen Belanger, and Vice President, Jennifer Boyle.
<<Teacher Professional Development>>
Over the summer months, while students are away and at play, many teachers go back into the classroom as students themselves.
