Summer remains a busy time at Saint Columbkille Partnership School. The school offers an eight-week Summer Program for students age 2.9 through grade 4, Summer Enrichment Programs for students entering grades 5–8, and Summer Family Meet-Ups that bring families together throughout the season.
The STCPS Summer Program runs from late June through mid-August. Each week features a new theme, including “Under the Sea,” “Land of Dinosaurs,” and “Celebrating Artists,” with hands-on projects and activities connected to the topic.
Rising first grader Stephanie shared that her favorite parts of the Summer Program are “getting to learn new things” and seeing how caring her teachers are. Her favorite theme was “Land of Dinosaurs,” when she learned about different kinds of dinosaurs and made a dinosaur puppet. She also enjoyed a field trip to the Franklin Park Zoo, where the kangaroos were a highlight.
A special part of the STCPS Summer Program is welcoming alumni back as Junior Counselors. Maria and Gigi, both members of the Class of 2024, returned to Saint Columbkille this summer for their first jobs.
For Maria, who attended the Summer Program as a student, returning as a Junior Counselor has been a full-circle experience.
“It’s really nostalgic, and it’s just fun to see all the things that have changed,” Maria shared. “It’s so nice to be back.”
“The transition into this role has been very smooth,” Gigi said. “The other staff members are very welcoming, and it really prepares you for working with kids or having any other job.”
Both alumni identified patience and positivity as the most important lessons they have learned through the experience, skills that will serve them well beyond their time with the Summer Program.
Students entering grades 5–8 also had the opportunity to participate in two Summer Enrichment Programs: Art Exploration and All About Boston.
During Art Exploration, students created acrylic paintings, ceramic mugs, and imaginative miniature rooms. The week concluded with a visit to the WNDR Museum, where students explored interactive exhibits and found inspiration for their own work.
During All About Boston, students stepped back into Revolutionary War-era Boston as the country celebrates the 250th anniversary of American independence. Through games, skits, crafts, and a visit to the Freedom Trail, students explored local history and learned more about the people and events that helped shape the city.
Summer Family Meet-Ups have also become a tradition at Saint Columbkille over the past several years. These gatherings give new and returning families an opportunity to stop by the schoolyard for lemonade, games, and conversation while connecting with other members of the school community.
“It is so nice to see families having fun and new students making friends so they feel more comfortable heading into the upcoming school year,” shared Erica Rego, Director of Family Engagement and organizer of the Summer Family Meet-Ups. “And a little bit of lemonade always puts a smile on people’s faces! I just love the community.”
Through these programs and gatherings, Saint Columbkille Partnership School continues to be a place for learning, friendship, and community throughout the summer.