Extended School Year Program is Scorching Success

It was another summer of smiles, learning, and fun as the long-standing Extended School Year program recently came to a close. 

Nearly 550 staff members came together to provide this important program to over 900 students at three different locations, Mill Middle School in Williamsville, West Seneca West Middle School, and Northtowns Academy were the sites of this year’s program. 

Extended School Year, or ESY, is a 30-day summer program that supports students with disabilities by providing continued instruction and services to help maintain academic and functional skills. It ensures that critical progress made during the school year is not lost during the summer break. 

“The Extended School Year program is always one of our most challenging endeavors, but also one of our most rewarding programs,” said Patrick Canfield, Erie 1 BOCES Director of Exceptional Education. “ESY was a rousing success once again, as it is every year, thanks to the hard work and determination of our teachers, aides, and staff members.”  

Daily schedules consist of classroom learning, art and music classes, group activities, outdoor enrichment, and much more.

The calendar stays busy, with special events held almost every day at each school. Students cooled off in water bounce houses and on slip and slides, showed their moves at dance parties, competed in Olympic games, tested their mini golf and bingo skills, and partied in a sea of bubbles at the always-popular foam parties. They were also treated to visits by local celebrities such as Glenn Colton and Mike Randall, as well as Disney character visits. 

In addition to all of the fun activities, students also receive important individualized support in speech and language therapy, physical and occupational therapy, hearing and vision services, counseling, and audiology. 

While the program lasts just six weeks, friendships quickly formed between students, and laughter echoed through the halls of each building. Bonds were also created between students and staff members, fostering valuable times of learning and growth as well as making lasting memories. 

We’ll see you next summer!