On August 7th, the Summer Rising program hosted a memorable Showcase event, bringing together students, families, and staff from grades Kindergarten through 5th. The event was a celebration of the creativity, learning, and community spirit that flourished throughout the summer, offering a glimpse into the enriching experiences the students had enjoyed.

As families arrived at the event, they were treated to a delicious breakfast, providing a chance to relax and connect with other families before the activities began. To add to the excitement, families were invited to participate in a raffle for gift cards. Additionally, parents were encouraged to complete a family survey, offering valuable feedback on their experiences with the program and helping to shape future initiatives.

One of the highlights of the showcase was the Gallery Walk, where families were taken on a visual journey through the summer. The gallery featured a collection of photographs capturing the joy and learning that had taken place over the past few weeks. Parents were able to see their children engaged in various activities, from art projects to science experiments. In addition to the photographs, the gallery showcased the students’ artwork, allowing families to appreciate the creativity and effort their children had put into their projects. The exhibit displayed diverse talents of the students and the supportive environment that encouraged them to explore their artistic side. As they walked through the gallery, parents also had the opportunity to speak directly with their children’s enrichment instructors. These conversations provided insights into the learning processes behind the artwork and activities, further deepening the connection between the school and families.

The showcase concluded with a series of dance performances by the students. Each grade performed a dance routine that lasted 2-3 minutes. The performances were a way of showcasing their rhythm, coordination, and enthusiasm in front of their families. The dances demonstrated their teamwork and dedication, as they had spent weeks preparing for this moment. For many parents, seeing their children perform on stage was the highlight of the event. The pride and joy were palpable as the audience cheered on each performance, creating an atmosphere of celebration and community.

This summer, students in the Summer Rising program embarked on a series of exciting field trips, each offering a unique blend of education and adventure. These trips provided students with hands-on learning experiences that were both fun and enriching. Here’s a look at the incredible places that students visited during their summer program.

Intrepid Museum

One of the standout trips was to the Intrepid Museum. Here, students delved into the fascinating world of American military and maritime history. The museum’s interactive exhibits allowed students to get up close with historic aircraft. This trip not only expanded their knowledge of history but also ignited a sense of curiosity and admiration for the advances in sea, air, and space exploration.

UNO Pizzeria & Grill

For a tasty and educational experience, students visited UNO Pizzeria & Grill. During this trip, they got the chance to become chefs for the day, wearing aprons and creating their own pizzas. They learned about the importance of fresh ingredients and the basics of culinary arts. The fun didn’t stop there – students were also given a behind-the-scenes tour of the kitchen. They learned valuable lessons about nutrition, safe food handling, and the daily operations of a busy restaurant. This hands-on experience provided students with a new appreciation for the art of cooking and the hard work that goes into preparing a delicious meal.

American Museum of Natural History

During the trip to the American Museum of Natural History, students explored a wide array of exhibits, from the towering dinosaur skeletons to the dioramas of wildlife from around the world. The museum’s vast collection gave students a chance to learn about the diversity of life on Earth, the complexities of human cultures, and the mysteries of the universe. This trip was a perfect blend of education and imagination, sparking students' interest in science and history.

Bronx Zoo

At the Bronx Zoo, students celebrated the zoo's 125th anniversary by immersing themselves in the animal kingdom. They explored various exhibits, encountering over 11,000 animals and 640 species from around the world. From the majestic lions to the playful monkeys, each animal encounter offered a unique learning opportunity. Students gained a deeper understanding of wildlife conservation and the importance of protecting endangered species. 

AMC Theater: Inside Out 2

The journey continued to the AMC Theater, where students enjoyed a screening of Inside Out 2. This trip was not just about watching a movie – it was an extension of the program’s Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum. The film, which explores the complexities of emotions, provided a platform for students to discuss their feelings and experiences in a safe and supportive environment. By connecting the movie’s themes with their own lives, students gained valuable insights into emotional awareness and empathy.

New York Aquarium

At the New York Aquarium, students were given an up-close look at marine life in “the sea that never sleeps.” They observed the vibrant displays of fish, sharks, and other sea creatures, learning about the delicate ecosystems that exist beneath the waves. This trip encouraged students to think about the importance of marine conservation and the need to protect our oceans for future generations.

Rye Playland

With over 50 rides and attractions, students enjoyed the thrills of Rye Playland. From exhilarating roller coasters to refreshing water rides, students had the time of their lives. This trip was a perfect way to wrap up the summer, offering a day of laughter, excitement, and unforgettable memories.

As the Summer Rising program at P.S. 004 came to an end, students were treated to a week of joy, creativity, and unforgettable experiences. Week 7 was filled with themed events that brought smiles to students’ faces and left them with memories to cherish. These are some highlights from this special week: 

Jersey Day Tuesday: August 13

The week kicked off with Jersey Day, a day where students showed off their favorite sports jerseys. The day was packed with exciting activities that combined fun with learning. One of the main events was a school-wide scavenger hunt. Each grade was assigned a specific rubber toy to find around the school: Kindergarten hunted for rubber duckies, 1st grade searched for rubber unicorns, 2nd grade looked for rubber cars, 3rd grade looked for rubber dinosaurs, and 4th and 5th grades were on the hunt for rubber chickens. The scavenger hunt not only encouraged teamwork but also sharpened students’ observation skills.

After the hunt, students engaged in hands-on science experiments. Kindergarten and 1st-grade students participated in the colorful Skittles experiment, exploring the science of colors and sugar dissolution. Meanwhile, 2nd to 5th graders explored the world of polymers, conducting an experiment that showcased the fascinating properties of these long-chain molecules.

The fun didn’t stop there. In the cafeteria, students participated in a Marshmallow Tower Challenge, where they used spaghetti noodles and marshmallows to create the tallest and most stable structures they could. There was also a Stacking Cups challenge, where students competed to see who could stack and unstack cups the fastest. For those who wanted a more relaxing activity, a coloring station offered a variety of sheets for students to express their creativity.

Splish Splash Wednesday: August 14

Midweek, the excitement continued with Splish Splash Wednesday. The day began with an arts and crafts session where students designed their own T-shirts, allowing them to showcase their unique styles. The highlight of the day was a series of water-based activities that left everyone laughing and soaked. Students played Twister Splash, a wet twist on the classic game, and danced around a Cactus Sprinkler that kept everyone cool. Over 500 water balloons were on hand for water balloon tosses and battles, and sensory bins filled with sand and Orbeez offered a tactile experience for the students. It was a day of endless fun, and a perfect way to beat the summer heat!

Wacky Tacky Carnival: The Grand Finale

The final day of Summer Rising was marked by the Wacky Tacky Carnival, a carnival-themed celebration that brought the program to a close on a high note. The school was transformed into a festive carnival, complete with classic games like the potato sack race, 3-legged race, egg and spoon race, ring toss, and bean bag throw. Each game was designed to test students' agility, balance, and coordination, all while ensuring they had a blast.

Adding to the fun was a karaoke section, where students could sing favorite tunes and cheer each other on. Students indulged in various snacks and refreshments, including popcorn, cotton candy, water, and juice. Before heading home, each student received a goodie bag filled with treats.