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S E R V I N G TAY L OR , OL D F OR G E , MOOSIC & SURROUNDING AREAS TRIBOROBANNER.COM | JUNE 27, 2019
The Old Forge Historical Society will hold its first-ever car show this weekend | PAGE 5
The Old Forge School District held its 59th annual Senior Awards Night | PAGE 8
Summertime learning tips Educators offer advice on how to keep kids’ brains engaged BY JOSH MCAULIFFE SPECIAL TO THE TRIBORO BANNER
Christopher Gatto, principal, Old Forge Junior-Senior High School. Another school year has come to an “My opinion is that students and parend, and the kids are thrilled to have a ents should embrace the summer months couple months without a test or homeand not look at it as a time to turn off work assignment in sight. their brains. Every day is a learning Still, while summer is a great time for experience. Summer is the time for stuidle pursuits, it shouldn’t be an excuse dents to recharge, spend quality time for students to shut off their brains enwith family and have social interactions tirely. with friends (not over video games). It’s We reached out to some school adminalso a time for students to learn the value istrators from the Old Forge and Riverof work by pursuing employment that side school districts and asked them for they might not be able to do during the some ways tkids and parents alike can school year.” stimulate summertime learning. Joseph Moceyunas, principal, RiverHere’s what they had to say: side Junior-Senior High School. Paul Brennan, superintendent, Riv“I think that students must get out and erside School District. do things. I still think swimming and “You can ‘APP-solutely’ avoid the sum- sports become a big part of it, but if parmer slide. There is an endless supply of ents can try to make a game out of the educational apps out there. Find one or activity involved then it may keep their more that your kid enjoys. Make some brains stimulated. Maybe parents can of their screen time worthwhile. Virtual have students read the sports page in the reality apps allow you to visit the world newspaper a few days a week. If students without leaving your couch.” are into Little League, etc., then maybe “And,” he added, “afterward, make parents can have their children read them go outside and play.” through stats in the paper and follow Shelly Egan, principal, Old Forge their favorite baseball team. Elementary School. “If parents are doing outdoor activities, “The old tried but true practice: readthen the sky is the limit. You can incoring. Whether just a page, a chapter or a porate math into just about everything. whole book. Taking a field trip to the loEven just playing outside, parents can cal library might be just the thing needed have discussions and question-and-anto open your child and their mind to the swer sessions with their children as the wonderful world of reading.” activities are going on. This may work well with younger children. “If students are avid readers, then parents can sit and read each day with their children. Even if they designate a time of 30-45 minutes of reading time each day.” TS_CNG/TRIBORO/PAGES [T01] | 06/26/19
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“Whether just a page, a chapter or a whole book,” summertime reading is vital. Nicole VanLuvender, principal, Riverside East Elementary. “Of course, one of the best and most important things kids can do is summer reading. This will help them to build vocabulary and keep their minds engaged. Kids can form their own summer reading clubs and use their favorite platform, social media, to discuss the books. Parents can help facilitate the discussions by generating some questions to spark the discussion among the kids. “Another way to engage kids is to have a yard sale. Let the kids select the items they want to let go and have them set a price for their items. Have them do some research as to what reasonable yard sale pricing is and talk with them about donating the items that don’t sell. The bonus with this activity is the kids get to practice basic math skills to add up their earnings while the parent gets a cleaned-out play room. “Gardening or a trip to the farmer’s market is a great way to expose kids to new
foods and try out some different recipes. Have kids create their own recipe, or find one in a cookbook or on the internet they’d like to try. Cooking is a great way to connect with your children and learn about each other as food always brings people together. Any families with students at Riverside East-West or the High School can register for the Free Children’s Produce Market which will be held at Riverside West on Tuesdays, July 23 and Aug. 20, noon to 2 p.m. You can call Riverside West or send an email to Nicole VanLuvender, principal at Riverside West, to register for either summer date. “Have a backyard family camp-out or watch a movie under the stars. If you don’t have a tent or don’t have a backyard, set up blankets and pillows in your living room and have everyone (parents and kids) spend the night in your homemade camp site. You can make popcorn, tell scary stories and play some games all while making memories that will last a lifetime.”