SePTeMbeR 2020
PAGe 19
school News BVT’s Summer Learning Series is a virtual success
2020 SuPERSTAR Chloe K. Frabotta of Northbridge was recently named valedictorian of the Northbridge high School Graduating Class of 2020. In addition to Chloe’s many outstanding academic achievements she was class Treasurer for 4 years, co captain of the softball and field hockey teams, and placed in the top five at DECA State Competitions for each of the past three years qualifying for International Competition. Chloe will attend Boston College this fall where she will study biology.
With many summer camps and programs canceled due to COVID-19, Blackstone Valley Tech successfully launched and ran its free Summer Learning Series in July, offering twenty-two online courses specifically designed to motivate its student's minds with a daily dose of creativity, exploration, and shared learning. With all the comradery and social benefits of staying connected with friends and classmates without going to an in-person summer camp, it allowed its STEAM enthusiasts an engaging, fun, and structured experience. From art-making and language to science, history, and technology tricks and tips, there was a little something for everyone. Participating was easy and optional, with each session starting at 10:00 a.m., running July 6th through August 6th, and no class on Friday. BVT students eagerly signed up to attend via Zoom as many one-hour live course sessions on the offered designated topics that interested them. "The concept for our Summer Learning Series organically developed from our collective desire to help our students grow socially, emo-
tionally, and academically," explained Mr. Edward Evans, Academic Curriculum Coordinator. He also credits a conversation with Biology Teacher Elizabeth Grimes in sparking this endeavor. "In launching our series this summer, our goal was to offer our students' course options to keep their minds open, active, and freshly prepared and excited for the next school year and grade-level." “When I first spoke with Mr. Evans, we agreed that our students would only benefit from additional support over the summer. Providing them with the proper tools in their "toolbox" to continue to be successful online learners was a key component behind this initial concept,” said Elizabeth Grimes. In her Science Study Strategy session, Grimes offered students study strategies for science and preparation tips for MCAS utilizing fun study tools and games, encouraging students to experiment with the various ways to study and prepare for a Science MCAS, AP Exam, and any assessment or science course. “I thoroughly enjoyed teaching my session,” said Grimes. “It was awe-
some to have more than twenty students attend. I was thrilled to hear the positive feedback. Most students had participated in all of the workshops offered before mine and said it helped them. I am fortunate to be a part of a community where new ideas are welcome and given the administrative support to take that idea and make it happen to support our students, even during the most unprecedented times. I would eagerly sign up to teach again next summer.” The well-attended series concluded on August 6th with a virtual orientation session for its freshmen. It was an opportunity for those new students to speak directly with members of BVT's National Honor Society and National Technical Honor Society. They welcomed the Class of 2024 virtually, shared their perspective on what it was like being a new student at BVT, and fielded questions from the curious new students. Over 460 students and teachers had a boatload of fun successfully participating in the Summer Learning Series. About Blackstone Valley regional Vocational Technical High School:
Blackstone Valley regional Vocational Technical High School serves the towns of Bellingham, Blackstone, Douglas, Grafton, Hopedale, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Northbridge, Sutton, Upton, and Uxbridge. Located in the heart of the Blackstone Valley, BVT creates a positive learning community that prepares students for personal and professional success in an internationally competitive society through a fusion of rigorous vocational, technical, and academic skills. The school’s website is www.valleytech. k12.ma.us.
Horwath earns degree from WSU Parents Jim and Christine Horwath are very proud to announce the graduation of Baron Horwath, of Uxbridge, with a Bachelor’s degree from Worcester State University. Baron earned Dean’s List Honors for his final two semesters.
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