Students in Smart Scholars complete summer program before new school year

These scholars are ready for the new school year! Students in the Smart Scholars Summer Program and Smart Scholars Summer Bridge Program at Mount Vernon High School had their final lessons last week. Denzel Washington School of the Arts and Mount Vernon STEAM Academy students completed their classes at DWSA last week as well. 

The Summer Bridge Program supports students’ successful transition into high school by strengthening foundational academic skills, study habits, and college and career awareness.

“At the beginning of Smart Scholars, we really start to develop what the Portrait of a Graduate (NYS educational framework) looks like,” said Nicole Boone Muckler, Smart Scholars ELA teacher. “So, them being inquisitive, being thinkers, being caring.”

Students took advantage of the opportunity to get a head start on high school as well as start getting prepared for the Smart Scholars Early College High School Program, where they can earn 24 to 60 transferrable college credits.  

“We learned about all the programs that they have at this school, how many credits we need,” said Kaylee Hernandez, rising freshman at MVHS. “Everything, like graduation requirements for high school. We also learned how all the programs worked.” 

Students are also excited to start a new journey, and they were encouraged by the commitment support of the Smart Scholar teachers. 

“Honestly, I liked how the teachers really motivated me to do well in school,” said April Rodriguez, who is also entering ninth grade after attending Lincoln School. “They tell you everything, the requirements for graduation, everything you need to know, basically, since it's a new chapter.”

Students who are continuing Smart Scholars have been attending the Smart Scholars Summer Program since July 27, which focuses on college readiness, strengthening academic foundations, and introducing students to the expectations of the Smart Scholars Early College Program.

During last school year, 10th grader Mali Cerease explained that Smart Scholars students, “worked on a lot. Personally, I worked on applications for the programs I am going to apply for and a lot of college essay stuff. We did a lot. Ms. (Peggy) Williams (school counselor) definitely taught us about responsibility and being accountable for the things we have to do.”

Because she took the Summer Bridge Program last year, Mali also explained that she felt much more prepared to start high school than her peers. In this year’s program, she enjoyed the opportunity to work on her writing skills even more.

“My favorite part about this year definitely was the writing aspect with Ms. Muckler,” Mali said. “She definitely helped me navigate the writing process, and I feel like that's really going to carry into the school year, because I'm going to take English 2 Honors and I'm excited for it.” 

Once the school year starts on September 3, freshmen from the Summer Bridge Program will be ready to lead and assist their classmates after becoming familiar with the school, and continuing Smart Scholars will be ready for the next phase of the program: earning college credit. 

“So, it really is about developing them as people, but also as a community,” said Ms. Boone Muckler. “It really does help to build the community of successful students that we need here.”