StC News

Extended Day -- From a Distance

StC's Extended Day team continues to support our boys with flair and creativity during distance learning.
Long celebrated as an all-encompassing after-school program, Extended Day continues to thrive, even during this time of social distancing. Each week, the teachers cleverly embed student interests into virtual enrichment plans.
 
Here is a partial list of items used during Distance Extended Day: Cool Whip, yoga mat, Oreo Cookies, sofa cushions, birdseed, Ziploc bags, a round object 3” or 4” in diameter, crayons, colored pencils, Jell-O Chocolate Flavor Instant Pudding, stuffed animals, scissors, Legos, laughter, exuberant adventures punctuated by a wide assortment of friends, playfulness and Zoom.
 
No wonder Extended Day makes such an impact. It is loaded with the busy chatter of participating kids.
 
Distance Extended Day activities boost skills, foster connectivity and bolster family fun. Sessions begin with a class meeting for the younger Saints and homework help for older students. Recognizing that families have different schedules and circumstances, the sessions remain entirely optional.
 
Director of Extended Day Abbey Moring said: “The school’s support is amazing. I am so impressed with our teachers’ hard work and commitment. A student can simply click on their teacher’s Zoom Link and join in the fun.”
 
The Extended Day teachers’ quick response and creativity truly stand out. Their wide spectrum of interests shines through as they immerse students in interactive endeavors. Collectively, the group presents an outlet that offers adventure, challenge, routine and even the occasional celebrity.
 
Running the gamut from fort building to ice cream making, younger students receive two enrichment sessions a day. Storytime and yoga make a weekly appearance as well.
 
Serendipity is welcome with slightly older students as they build, design and create. The virtual enrichment sessions provide a space for students to explore meaningful ways of hands-on pursuits: out-of-the-box problem solving or employing divergent thinking skills. Who would have dreamed that Oreo Lava Cake transforms into the Oreo Volcano Surprise?
Middle School students also meet with notable alumni. Swayne Martin ‘15 discussed his career as an airline pilot. Basketball standout Nick Sherod '16 advised: “Try to be consistent with your work ethic. If you work hard, you’ll be successful.” Garrett Taylor '15 will speak next week about his football career at Penn State and his recent signing with the Buffalo Bills.
 
Given their curated child-centered philosophy, Distance Extended Day may just be the most powerful kid-friendly tool available.
 
Oh, and add to the shopping list gummy worms, glue and glitter…you’ll find out.
 
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