Fewer Students Taking Advantage

Of Summer SMART Program

By Larissa Lytwyn

A Continuing Education report presented to the school board December 2 revealed that fewer students are enrolling in the district’s summertime SMART [Summer Music and Arts] and SMART, TOO programs.

Students can explore areas ranging from jewelry design and graphic arts to theater and sculpture in three different areas, dramatics, music, and visual arts. Students can choose up to three classes, one from each area, which take place in two-week sessions twice during the summer.

SMART is designed for kindergarten through fifth grade while SMART, TOO serves grades six through ten.

Local artists usually teach classes; formal teaching certification is always welcomed but not a requirement.

The Continuing Education department also employs Newtown High School students to assist teachers in setting up and monitor classes.

“The SMART programs, like just about all of our enrichment programs, are run like a business,” explained Continuing Education acting director Elissa Gellis.

The SMART, TOO program, founded through a state grant in 2001, faces heavy regional competition.

“There are a lot of arts programs for that particular age group in many towns around the area,” Ms Gellis said. “After the program began in 2001, we couldn’t continue it the following summer because we couldn’t find enough available artists to teach it. This year, again, it was very difficult to find a sufficient number of instructors.”

SMART, TOO barely paid for its own costs, she said.

“The chances of us continuing the program are very slim,” Ms Gellis admitted.

SMART registration is $299 per two-week session this year, up from $275 last summer. Ms Gellis hopes to deliver brochures to neighborhood before the schools’ April vacation.

For more information, contact Ms Gellis at 426-1787.