School might be out for the summer, but that doesn’t mean the learning stops.

Hudson Falls students in grades 2-6 showed off what they learned over the last three weeks in a summer enrichment program.

“It is school, but at the same time, it’s not because it’s just so fun, where almost like you get to pick what you do. It’s like when you go into school and you have to just do math the whole time,” says Blake Martin, a student in the program.

The kids have been learning STEAM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math.

What You Need To Know

  • Students in Hudson Falls attended a three-week summer enrichment program

  • The kids have been learning STEAM, which stands for science, technology, engineering, arts and math

  • The program allows kids to explore areas that they may not during a traditional school year, like theatre and coding

“It’s really allowing them to pursue things that they’re interested in, or programs that are offered in our community, such as theater, science courses, music classes,” says Christine MacPherson, director of educational technology in the Hudson Falls Central School District.

Blake’s mom says it’s been a challenging year of online learning, and this program helped her son get excited to start school in the fall.

“It gave him something to look forward to doing this summer, being around his friends since they were at home most of the time last year, getting them out,” says Cassie Dudley.

Aside from academics, the program helps boost morale and motivation.

“Kids are just not feeling motivated to be participating in sports or extracurriculars, so I think this program is really getting them into the buildings in a more casual, informal, intentionally fun, hands-on, experiential-type learning,” MacPherson said.

Throughout the pandemic, kindergarten through fifth-grade students in Hudson Falls had the option for in-person or virtual learning. It’s unclear if all the kids will be back in the schools this fall.

Kids in Hudson Falls participating in a STEAM summer enrichment program. Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math. Students are exploring areas they may not normally in a traditional school setting like coding and theatre! Full story on @SpecNews1Albany pic.twitter.com/WawEyWVhXa