Dear Parent/Guardian,

The Pawtucket COZ is announcing its 5 week summer program for elementary school students, which will be held virtually this year.  It will be held on Monday through Thursday, July 13-August 13, from 9:30 to 11:30 each day.

While we wish we were able to run our regular in-person program, it is not possible this year. However our virtual program will be exciting and filled with hands-on activities in science/engineering, art, crafts and physical activity that are suitable for all elementary school age children.  All materials for each project will be provided at no charge to those who register for the program.

Before the official start of the program each day, students will have a chance to socialize with their school friends and make new friends with students from other Pawtucket schools.  There will be a primary activity that will last from 45-60 minutes, followed by a 15-20 minute secondary activity. There will also be a few minute put aside each day for reading.  The primary activity two days per week will be the science/engineer activity; one day will focus on art and drawing and the other day will be a program with the Empowerment Factory.  The secondary activities will include physical activity and crafts.  Details include:

Primary Activities:  Engineering Adventures -- the children will build a racer using recycled materials or construct an earthquake proof building, using the hand-on Engineering Adventures materials developed by the Boston Museum of Science. These hands-on activities use the engineering design process helps children build their problem solving skills that transfer to other disciplines, including math and science, often making math and science concepts relevant to real life experiences.  The second activity will focus on drawing and art, entitled “I can Draw Nature.”  The children will draw fish, birds, bears and more, using a step by step program that is perfectly designed for children of all ages to learn in a virtual format.  We are sure your child will have a WOW moment saying “I did that; I made this all by myself,” The third activity will be the Creative Squad provided by The Empowerment Factory.  This program empowers students with vocabulary, games, art projects and other opportunities for self-expression to help build positive self-awareness, improve communication skills and develop meaningful relationships.

Field Trips:  Since we cannot take the children on field trips, but still want them to have the field trip experiences, the COZ will provide entrance fees for your family to take family field trips.  Depending on the number of students who enroll, we plan to provide tickets two to three times during the program. Your family will have several choices of activities ranging from tickets to a drive in movie, mini golf, Roger Williams Park Zoo, the Audubon Society of Rhode Island Nature Center to name a few. There will be enough options to ensure your level of comfort attending local places of interest. We will also offer a pizza delivery option if you would rather stay home.  (A list of the options will be available at the beginning of the program.)

Finally, students who complete the program will receive a specially designed COZ 2020 tee-shirt at the end of the 5 weeks. We believe this virtual program will be fun, interesting and engaging for your child/children.   All materials will be provided.  We will arrange a time for pick-up of materials once your child is registered. We encourage you to register your child/children as soon as possible and to spread the word to other Pawtucket families.  Since the program will start on July 13, please register by Wednesday, July 8 so we can get the materials to you.  If enough students enroll, we will split the children in to grade level groups, such as grades 1-3, 4-5.  The Permission Form is available as a paper document that you can print and send back to us, even if you take a cell phone picture of it.  There is also a Google Registration form that is all electronic.  Once you type your name and submit the form, it is considered your permission for your child to participate.

If you have any questions, please contact the COZ at parellam@psdri.net or by cell 401-297-1278.   Thank you.