Summer Program Draws Many

7/28/2015

The newly expanded program engages 150 girls in a wide variety of learning experiences.

Montrose School was abuzz with activity for four weeks this summer as the newly expanded Summer Program engaged 150 girls from 25 different schools. Solid academic offerings such as SAT and Advanced Placement preparation, English and math reinforcement and enrichment classes were joined by hands-on and active courses, such as Robotics, Musical Theater and Improvisation, Field Hockey and Strength and Fitness.

In Heather Osbourne’s Robotics class girls from grades 4-6 built robots from Legos and programmed them to move. Founders’ Hall was transformed with duct tape into a robot track where the girls programming skills were put to the test. “Robots were the best!” exclaimed one student. The class, along with the newly formed school-year Robotics Club for middle school students, was made possible with help from IT Director, Donna Sneider and the funds for technology raised during the Raise the Paddle campaign at the 2015 Sentimental Journey Auction.

Back by popular demand was Musical Theater Improv I & II. Holly Sullivan’s group of young actors produced another spectacular performance. “Budding thespians abound at Montrose this summer!” said Mary Foley, Summer Program Director.

Heather McLeod’s and Bridget Schirripa’s inaugural Field Hockey class attracted many middle school girls from Medfield and other local schools. Assisted by members of Montrose’s varsity Field Hockey team, girls practiced and developed their field hockey techniques, giving them a jump start on preparations for the coming season of the fall sport. Others looking to improve their athletic prowess took advantage of Liane Blyn’s Strength & Conditioning class. This very popular class for high school girls “witnessed sore but satisfied girls after a week of intense conditioning,” says Mrs. Foley. Ms. Blyn aimed to help students develop their flexibility and coordination while preparing them for the athletic demands of the school year. “This class made me feel like I could become a good athlete,” said a participant.

SAT Prep – Math and Verbal with Betsy White and Barbara Whitlock provided girls from grades 10-12 the opportunity to prepare for the revised SAT. Other preparatory offerings this summer were College Admissions 101, in which College Guidance Counselor Sarah Harper delved into all aspects of the application process and toured four colleges of the participants’ choosing, and Mrs. McLeod’s AP Prep Course,in which students gained vital study skills and information invaluable to helping them succeed in Advanced Placement Courses offered during the school year.

Montrose’s philosophy of educating the whole person took an unusual bent in another of Mrs. McLeod’s classes- Survival of the Fittest. Middle school girls learned valuable life skills, such as how to find direction without a compass, sew by hand and with a machine, and even how to start a fire.

With offerings for girls in grade 3-12, the Montrose Summer Program provided plenty of opportunity to learn, play, have fun, make friends and experience the Montrose Difference.

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