Summer Program Benefits Girls

This summer, Montrose has been buzzing with activity, filled with girls who are busy building mastery, gaining momentum, and making memories at the 2014 Montrose Summer Programs. Girls from over 28 local schools joined Montrose students and faculty to learn the basics of oil painting, get in shape for fall sports, master SAT strategies, perform on stage for families and friends, prepare for the coming year’s classes and more.
 

In keeping with Montrose’s philosophy of educating the whole person, Montrose Summer Programs expanded this year to include not only academic programs, but also sports, art, drama, and special interest classes. In addition to the core academic programs such as Algebra Prep and Review, Get Ready for Middle School English, and SAT Math and Verbal, a number of new courses were introduced to allow students to explore their academic interests in a relaxed, creative environment. For example, in Great Stories, Great Art, girls learned about art, history and mythology through acting and role-playing, field trips to Boston’s art museums, creative arts and crafts, and dynamic discussions and games.

One of this year’s most popular additions was Musical Theater Improv with Mrs. Holly Sullivan for girls entering grades 4 and 5. Participants spent the week learning how to use movements, voices, gestures and words to create and relay stories to an audience. The week-long program culminated in a Montrose Summer Program original production, A Turtle Story, which was entirely written, choreographed, blocked and performed by the participants. Many family members and friends enjoyed the production, and celebrated the cast’s hard work with an ice cream party following the show.

Students in the academic programs found them to be a productive, even enjoyable, way to prepare for the coming school year.  “I came into this class thinking that it would be boring, but I definitely learned a lot,” said one participant in the SAT Verbal program. "Nothing could improve it!" said another of Math Made Fun. "It is so much fun!” The average class size of eight allowed students to work closely with teachers, ask questions and receive constructive feedback. “I improved my writing with assistance from a great teacher," said one participant of High School Writing Success.

As the 2014 Summer Programs draw to an end, each participant will take away much more than a red Montrose T-shirt: she will bring skills gained, lessons learned and friendships made with her into the coming school year.