This summer, the theme for CITL at Port Ewen’s Extended School Year Program was "Time Travelers." Each week, students embarked on a journey to a different era, immersing themselves in the culture, history, and exciting adventures of various time periods. These weekly themes were not just about having fun but also about aligning with students' goals and personal interests through engaging classroom activities.

Week 1: Prehistoric Past

The journey began with a leap back to the prehistoric era. Students explored the fascinating world of dinosaurs and other prehistoric creatures. Each child had the opportunity to "hatch" their own dinosaur egg, watching as their prehistoric friend emerged over a few days. The classrooms were filled with creativity as students painted watercolor dinosaur scenes and crafted their own fossils, bringing the prehistoric past to life.

Week 2: Ancient Adventures

The next stop on the journey took us to ancient civilizations. Students delved into the geographical and cultural richness of ancient Greece and Egypt. The highlight of the week was a Fun Friday activity, where students participated in a scavenger hunt featuring figures and structures from the ancient world, earning prizes for their discoveries. A special movie day featured "Hercules," complete with fresh popcorn and drinks served by our Level Up program. The week also included a fun photo booth where students could dress as mummies using Egyptian props and toilet paper.

Week 3: Medieval Mayhem

The medieval week focused on the Middle Ages, where students embraced the chivalric spirit by creating their own personal coats of arms, representing their individual traits and classroom communities. Engaging in medieval games like hopscotch, chess, and tic-tac-toe, students experienced the pastimes of the era. The inclusion of "Medieval Wii" added a modern twist to our historical exploration.

Week 4: Battles & Breakthroughs

Week four explored the world of historical battles and groundbreaking inventions. Students investigated various historical events and technological advances. Fun Friday featured a tie-dye and movie day, with "Meet the Robinsons" as the film of choice. Our Level Up program once again provided popcorn and drinks, along with a coffee cart for staff, ensuring everyone was refreshed and ready for a day of fun.

Week 5: Current Chronicles

Week five brought us to the present, focusing on current events and the Olympic Games. Students engaged in both athletic and academic challenges as part of our Olympic-themed Fun Friday event. They tracked their achievements and experiences in personalized "Olympic Passports," celebrating their accomplishments in a modern-day context.

Week 6: Futuristic Frontiers

The final week encouraged students to dream about the future. They explored their personal goals and aspirations, made predictions about the world to come, and crafted time capsules to capture their visions of the future. The week concluded with a water day and a scavenger hunt, where students earned prize stress balls with inspirational messages of their choice.The "Time Travelers" summer school theme provided a unique and enriching experience for our students, combining education with adventure. By exploring different eras, students gained insights into the past, present, and future, fostering a love for learning that transcends time.