EXTENDED PROGRAMS

Reimagining Sycamore Programs

Melissa Branigan wrapped up a successful year that included reimagining Quest and the summer camps.

One of the big changes Sycamore undertook in the 2020-21 school year was a reimagining of the school’s before and after school activities. Rebranded as Extended Programs, the title encompasses anything that occurs outside of the school day, like athletics, after-school activities, Quest (Sycamore’s before and after-school care), Summer Camps, Sycamore Academy, and Middle School clubs and teams, like Vex Robotics and Destination Imagination. Melissa Branigan has overseen the changes, including building a team that includes a Quest Coordinator, Chris Pollard, and Noah Buchholz as Athletic Coordinator. Branigan, who has taught at Sycamore since 2004, including 4th grade for five years and 1st Grade for ten years, also assumed the role amidst having to navigate the changes brought on by the COVID-19 protocols. That meant sports had to become intramural, programs were altered for safety, and the Summer Programs were reworked for just the school’s own students. Branigan and her team created a number of new options and, according to her, updated the systems to make it more parent-friendly. With one year’s experience behind her as Director of Extended Programs, Branigan says she has learned a few important things about what works and what is best for Sycamore families. “One thing I learned is that students love the opportunity to try something new and explore their interests. This year was definitely a different kind of year. We had to put many protocols in place due to COVID. However, we still remained true to our goal. Students were still able to join activities and still be a part of enriching experiences. That is what I am most proud of accomplishing this first year.” Once the Sycamore community, including staff, teachers, and students are able to find a new, more relaxed daily routine and are able to do more, Branigan looks forward to adding more activities and options. “I am looking forward to togetherness,” she says, “and being able to have parents back in the building and physically engaged with us, being able to have spectators at various events, in-person after school activities for the students where they can explore their interests, in-person academic competitions. Each of these things have been so missed during this school year.” One of the large projects was revamping the summer program offerings to benefit families of Sycamore students, the campers, and even the teachers. This included merging Sycamore Academy with the traditional summer camps, and enhancing the pre- and post-camp care options. This year, Branigan says more than 90 percent of the summer camps are being taught by Sycamore teachers and staff, a significant change from past years. “We sought out more of our own faculty and staff to lead our camps, which benefits the students greatly. Few know gifted students and their unique needs better than our faculty and staff, so this summer is sure to be amazing. One of the biggest changes to summer programs has been both the merging of camps and Sycamore Academy into one program and the addition of our new Extended Care option. I have heard feedback that parents are thrilled that their children can receive full-day supervision and care during the summer months.” Branigan says bringing on Chris Pollard has helped the Quest program grow, even with the COVID-related changes. “Chris worked so hard this year to create a program where students felt safe and respected while still being able to have a great time and do fun activities. From the start of the school year until it ended in May, our regular Quest attendees have doubled. It took a lot of additional planning to be sure we implemented COVID safety protocols and a lot of additional training for our Quest staff, but the year was a success, and we couldn’t be more proud.” One thing I learned is that students love the opportunity to try something new and explore their interests. This year was definitely a different kind of year. We had to put many protocols in place due to COVID. However, we still remained true to our goal. Students were still able to join activities and still be a part of enriching experiences..

MELISSA BRANIGAN