Smalley Elementary School

Even when school is out of session, the Bound Brook School District offers ongoing opportunities for students to learn and practice essential skills during the summer months. 

The summer boost program at Smalley Elementary School is one of those initiatives. 

During the month-long program, students in grades K-6 get the chance to boost their academics in mathematics and English Language Arts while engaging in specials like STEM, art and physical education.  

With a firm commitment to student development and using a proactive approach to summer learning, the program uses a variety of classes to provide small-group instruction where students can enhance skills alongside their teachers.  

Bound Brook teacher Megan Esposito emphasized the positive impact it has on students who can reinforce skills as they prepare for the new school year. 

“One thing that I’ve been working on with my students is measurement and data,” she said. “We are trying to really reinforce some of those skills that we might not have been able to work on a lot throughout the school year, and we’re going to help them prepare for the next grade.” 

Every morning, students rotate between academics and specials. During specials, a unique cycle gives students a chance to experiment through hands-on STEM projects like building houses for robot dogs and creating their very own Innovator’s Workshop. Art and physical education promote creativity and wellness through other activities like painting animal masks and playing baseball inside the gymnasium.  

Jacob B., a rising seventh grader, praised the variety of activities, especially building art projects.  

“The one thing I like about summer program is the art class because we get to have fun and build things like animal faces and robotics. I also like to build paper swords in the class,” he said.  

In addition, the program is offered to bilingual students who can enrich their language acquisition inside the classroom with teachers who speak their native language. 

Teacher leaders Jennifer Derevjanik and Jill Goldan played a large role in getting the program started. They order materials before the start date, roster all students, and ensure that all processes run smoothly. Each day, both help students get their breakfast and lunch, transition them between classrooms, and assist in scheduling alongside Robyn Griffin, Bound Brook’s Chief Academic Officer.  

“The best thing about the summer program is that students still get to see their friends from the regular school year, maintain a routine and especially continue to interact in a small group environment with their teachers to boost their academics,” said Derevjanik.  

The summer program is one of multiple opportunities offered by the district to enhance each student’s academic growth while interacting with their peers daily.