The 2009-2010 school year has brought new opportunities for students at Ellis B. Hyde Elementary School in Dansville.
Students now have the opportunity to participate in multiple new (and returning) programs and clubs – including Lego-Robotics, Odyssey of the Mind, News Bowl, Newspaper Club, and more. “We are always looking for more ways to enrich all of our students,” said Elementary Principal Jeremy Palotti.
Lego-Robotics, which has been offered in the past, was reintroduced during the summer enrichment program. Students build a robotic system and program it to do a task using basic computer programs. Due to its popularity, Lego-Robotics is being implemented during the school day. The program, which is run by both Eileen McMaster and David Cranston, is available to fourth- and fifth-grade students.
There is a possibility that the program could be offered to third-grade students later in the year. “It’s pretty neat stuff,” said Palotti.
Students introduced to the program at the Elementary level may elect to participate in Lego-Robotics competitions in Middle School.
Odyssey of the Mind is another opportunity that will be available to students in the coming months. Instructors Carrie Koepf and Meredith Costello must undergo training (for the program) prior to forming teams.
The teams, which will meet during the after school period, are expected to be open to fifth-grade students (at first). Based on the number of interested students, fourth-graders may also be able to participate.
Another acitivity, News Bowl, has already commenced at the school. The online quiz game is open to fifth-graders and held during the school day. Eileen McMaster is coordinating. In addition, Newspaper Club is just getting off the ground with David Cranston supervising.
Other opportunities available to students include Chess Club and PageTurners.
The Chess Club is led by Sheila Cripps and participates in competitions through BOCES. In PageTurners, led by Renee Nixon, students read a list of books over the course of the Fall. Then, the team participates in competitions that have a Jeopardy-like theme. Students must answer questions about the titles they have read.
While Palotti and his staff are implementing (and continuing) several opportunities for students, they continue to look for new ideas each year.
My son participated in this over the summer as an upcoming 3rd grader. He loved it and I am honestly disappointed that it is not available for 3rd graders now. I hope the school decides otherwise.
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