SAYVILLE, NY — Sayville elementary school students spent part of their summer designing amusement park rides, preparing American-inspired treats and performing Broadway songs through a district enrichment program celebrating the nation's 250th anniversary.
The SCOPE Enrichment Summer 2026 program, "Salute to America's 250th," was offered to students in kindergarten through fifth grade on weekday mornings in July at Cherry Avenue Elementary School.
The four-week program allowed families to register students for a different course each week or return to a favorite theme during multiple sessions.
"Summer learning should be engaging, inspiring and filled with opportunities for students to explore their interests in new ways," Superintendent Dr. Marc Ferris said.
Students participated in activities combining academics, science, technology, engineering and math, the arts and physical fitness, Ferris said.
In "Build & Thrill: Summer STEM at the Amusement Park," students designed and tested model roller coasters, Ferris wheels and spinning rides while learning about gravity, speed, energy and motion.
Students enrolled in "All-American Eats: A Culinary Adventure" prepared baked and no-bake recipes inspired by traditional American summer foods.
The "American Mini Warrior: Fitness, Fun, Adventure!" course featured boot-camp-style relay races, obstacle courses and team challenges designed to develop strength and agility.
Young artists created circus-inspired paintings and sculptures in "Summer at the Circus: A Fine Arts Exploration of Color, Character & Creativity." Their work was displayed during a student art showcase at the conclusion of the course.
Students also participated in "Stars, Stripes & Showtunes: A Broadway Tribute to America's 250th Birthday," a two-week musical theater program inspired by productions including "Annie," "Hamilton," "Newsies" and "1776."
Participants practiced acting and singing while exploring themes of independence, resilience and civic pride. The program concluded with an informal performance for families.
Grade-level academic sessions also reinforced reading, writing and math skills through interactive lessons intended to prepare students for the upcoming school year.
Sayville School District partners with SCOPE Education Services each summer to provide enrichment programs outside the traditional school year. SCOPE is a nonprofit organization chartered by the New York State Board of Regents that provides educational programs and services to students, families, educators and school districts.
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