The program added outdoor pursuits that tied into science.
CHESHIRE, Mass. — Over the past six weeks, 48 middle school students participated in the Explore After School program at Hoosac Valley Middle School.
Organizer Laura Scholz said now that Grades 4 and 5 are at Hoosac Valley, the hands-on STEM program that was once held at CT Plunkett School could be expanded to Grade 7 and add new programming.
"Due to the structure at Hoosac Valley Middle School, we were able to offer the program for Grades 4-7 versus 3-5 last year," she said. "Also, the program was available to students from Adams and Cheshire this year … Overall the students really enjoyed the Explore sessions and many have talked about returning next year."
"Physics of Archery" was added to the program and organizers took advantage of the Hoosac Valley campus and added "Outdoor Pursuits" to the after-school program for science, technology, engineering and math.
Students also participate in robotics, engineering and chemistry programs led by teachers and volunteers from General Dynamics.
"The students in this program are able to participate in hands-on STEM activities in small groups where they can be exposed to real-world topics and skills, such as building airplanes, rockets, bridges and using compasses and maps," she said. "The students were also able to work with General Dynamics Mission Systems engineers in the 'Robotics and Engineering Adventures,' which exposes them to basic engineering principles from industry experts."
Scholz said students are very receptive to hands-on learning and the after-school program provides new opportunities that there often is no time to engage in during the school day.
"The students enjoyed going outside to learn orienteering skills, took pride in hitting a bullseye in archery or programming their robot to accomplish a set of tasks, designing a windmill that could lift a cup of pennies, and getting their hands messy while creating a non-Newtonian fluid," Scholz said.
Scholz added that she hopes students continue to pursue what they learned during the program.
"I hope the students learn that learning can be fun, that there are real-world applications for all of the topics that they are exposed to in the classroom and develop new interests," she said.
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Cheshire Tag Sale and Bazaar
CHESHIRE, Mass. — The Cheshire Community Association (CCA) announced the return of the Cheshire Community Tag Sale and Bazaar for its second year.
Scheduled for Saturday, May 11, 2024, from 9 AM to 1 PM, the event offers a day of treasure hunting, local craftsmanship, and treats at the Cheshire Community House located at 191 Church St, Cheshire.
Attendees can explore a variety of offerings, including handmade crafts, antiques, collectibles, and food options. The hot food truck, operated by the Berkshire Lodge of Masons AF & AM, will be stationed in the courtyard, serving up treats throughout the event.
One of the highlights of this year's event is the fundraising raffle, with all proceeds set to benefit the Cheshire Food Pantry. Participants can purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win prizes, supporting a worthy cause that serves the local community.
Registration for vendors interested in participating in the bazaar is currently open, with fees ranging from $10 to $30. Cheshire residents looking to showcase their items from home can have their locations advertised on the event map for a fee of $10. The deadline for registration is set for Friday, April 26, 2024.
Registration forms can be obtained from various locations across Cheshire, including A to Z Printing, Cheshire Community House, Cheshire Library, Cheshire Glassworks, Cheshire Senior Center, the Cheshire Community Association Facebook page, and the Cheshire Town website.
For more information about the event, including vendor registration and sponsorship opportunities, interested parties are encouraged to contact Jenny Gadbois at (413) 841-0844 or via email at jlgadbois@icloud.com.
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