Welcome to the 38th year of the Creative Summer Workshops of the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Public Schools! We are delighted to provide another five-week program including the SPF Summer Instrumental Music School.
Developed and conducted by the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Board of Education, the Creative Summer Workshops have been designed to offer a variety of enrichment experiences for our students. An experienced and talented professional staff will once again lead progressive, challenging, and exciting courses in an atmosphere of fun and learning!
GENERAL INFORMATION
The Creative Summer Workshops will be held Monday, June 27 - Friday, July 29, 2022.
There will be no workshops on Friday, July 1st, Monday, July 4th, and Tuesday, July 5th in observance of Independence Day.
All workshops will operate DAILY between 9AM and 1PM. Workshops will be located at Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School.
Offerings are geared to the age and ability of our students. Workshop titles bear grade references to those as of September 2022. These grade references should be viewed as guidelines and are not intended to discriminate against students of other ages who may wish to participate.
Registration is on a “first come, first served” basis. Many workshops have limited enrollment. The Creative Summer Workshops are open to students from all surrounding communities. Registration is ongoing until classes are filled.
PLEASE NOTE THAT REGISTRATION IS ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE.
PAYMENTS CAN BE MADE ONLINE OR VIA MAILED-IN CHECK.
*In order to pay by check, use discount code "PAYBYCHECK" at check out.
Refund requests must be made in writing and submitted prior to the first scheduled class. No refunds will be granted once the Workshops have begun. If a student cancels prior to the first scheduled class, the tuition fee minus a $10.00 administrative fee will be returned.
The Coordinator reserves the right to limit class size and to withdraw or add courses and activities in the interest of all concerned. No participant may switch from one workshop to another once the Creative Summer Workshops have begun unless the Coordinator deems that a participant’s health condition warrants such a change.
Course Descriptions in Alphabetical order
3D MODELING AND DESIGN: 11AM-12PM - Recommended Grades 5-8 Instructor: Matthew Ritsko - District Middle School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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The 3-D modeling program is back at the CSW workshops! In this program, students will learn how to interact with, reproduce, and eventually, produce 3-D computer models of a variety of objects (and even buildings!). Whether you're a first time student who has never used a 3-D modeling program or a returning student who wants to continue honing their skills, this is the program for you. | 
*Real student work!! |
BOARD GAME DESIGN: 12PM-1PM - Recommended Grades 6-8 Instructor: Kenneth Lam - District Elementary Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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Join us in discovering and playing board games of all genres with the goal of creating a unique board game of your own. Tabletop games, card games, party games: we'll try them all! You're also welcome to bring your own favorites. |
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CERAMICS 1: 9AM-10AM - Recommended Grades K-2 Instructor: Scott Fourre - District Art Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00 Materials Fee: $25.00 |
This is an introduction to ceramics. The campers will learn different techniques and create hand built ceramic projects, learn about the firing process and glaze their finished pieces. The goal of this class is to produce a finished project at the end of each week. The students will have an opportunity to use other materials (such as Model Magic) to continue to grow their ceramic building skills while we wait for projects to dry, or while projects are in the kiln being fired. | 
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CERAMICS 2: 10AM-11AM - Recommended Grades 3-5 Instructor: Scott Fourre - District Art Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00 Materials Fee: $25.00 |
The campers will learn different techniques and create hand built ceramic projects, learn about the firing process and glaze their finished pieces. The goal of this class is to produce a finished project at the end of each week. The campers will have an opportunity to use other materials (such as model magic) to continue to grow their ceramic building skills while we wait for projects to dry, or while projects are in the kiln being fired. The older campers will also assist in unloading the kiln, organizing projects and have an opportunity to experiment with different types of glazes and glaze mixing. |
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CHESS CLUB: - 11 AM - 12PM Recommended Grades 5-8 Instructor: Olivia Annitti, District High School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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Be a member of the Creative Summer Workshops Chess Club. We are looking for individuals who have a basic knowledge of chess to meet and play with other chess players. This club will help students gain skills, practice, and meet fellow chess players. The Chess Club is meant to foster intellectual growth while having fun at the same time. | 
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COMMUNICATING WITH CONFIDENCE: 9AM-10AM - Recommended Grades 5-8 Instructor: Matthew Ritsko, District Middle School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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This workshop will allow students to build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to speak in public. Students will learn how to: create an engaging and organized presentation, present information and connect with their audience, use eye contact and body language to deliver key points in their presentations. | 
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CREATIVE WRITING WORKSHOP: 11AM-12PM Recommended Grades 2-5 Instructor: Kenneth Lam - District Elementary Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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From poetry to picture books–magazines to menus–all forms of writing are welcome here. Join us in putting your ideas and imagination on the page. | 
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DRAWING AND PAINTING 1: 11 AM- 12 PM Recommended Grades K-2 Instructor: Scott Fourre - District Art Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00 Materials Fee: $10.00 |
In this class the campers will have an opportunity to draw and paint projects that are age appropriate, and explore new and exciting techniques that will take their skills to the next level. Each day will start with a drawing exercise and each week will conclude with a finished painting that the campers will work on throughout the week. It will be a fun and creative experience that the campers will love! | 
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DRAWING AND PAINTING 2: 12 PM- 1 PM - Recommended Grades 3-5 Instructor: Scott Fourre - District Art Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00 Materials Fee: $10.00 |
In this class the campers will have an opportunity to draw and paint projects that are age appropriate, and explore new and exciting techniques that will take their skills to the next level. Each day will start with a drawing exercise and each week will conclude with a finished painting that the campers will work on throughout the week. It will be a fun and creative experience that the campers will love! |
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EXPLORING BLACK HISTORY THROUGH ART & POETRY: 2 Sessions: 11AM-12PM - Recommended Grades 3-5 10AM-11AM - Recommended Grades 6-8 Instructor: Nora Shalan - District Middle School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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In this course, students will explore black history through disciplines of art and poetry. Students will navigate through texts regarding the struggles and strides of people of color to engage in meaningful discussions about their history. Students will leverage art and poetry to demonstrate the progressive movement towards racial equality. * The 10 AM class for grades 6 - 8 will use more complex texts. | 
WENN Rights Ltd./Alamy Stock Photo |
FANTASY FICTION BOOK CLUB- 10AM-11AM - Recommended Grades 6-8 Instructor: Cynthia Raices - District High School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00 Students are responsible for bringing the required readings. A list of titles will be provided prior to the workshop’s beginning. The cost of each book is between $5 and $20 |
In a fun, collaborative, and student-centered environment, students will learn about and explore the characteristics of the fantasy genre. They will then have the opportunity to apply what they've learned to a young adult fantasy novel(s) of their choosing (from the selection provided), which they will read and discuss in small groups. Potential lesson topics and skills to be addressed include setting/world-building, analysis of writer's craft, how to write a book review, and proper discussion etiquette, among others. | 
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GAME TIME!: 11AM-12PM- Recommended Grades 2-5 Instructor: Kathleen McArdle, District Elementary Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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Tag…you’re it! Join us for some fun and games this summer. Children will have the opportunity to play some fun games with a creative twist and will learn some new ones, too. We will explore reading and math concepts, solve puzzles, and pull out some board game favorites too. | 
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GETTING CREATIVE WITH ARTS AND CRAFTS: 10AM-11AM Recommended Grades 1-3 Instructor: Leigh Scarano - District Elementary Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00 Materials Fee: $5.00 |
This arts and crafts course will allow students to create artwork using a variety of mediums. Students will have the opportunity to work with paint, watercolor, beads, string, feathers, and more. Come have fun and explore the world of arts and crafts where you can make something new every day. | 
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INDOOR/OUTDOOR ATHLETIC FUN & GAMES: 9AM-10AM Recommended Grades 4-8 Instructor: Kenneth Lam - District Elementary Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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Get your exercise and have fun doing it! Whether it's kickball in the sun or indoor dodgeball fun, students will be on the move, rain or shine. Come join us for a variety of sports, games, and challenges that will test your coordination, reward cooperation, and promote friendly competition in a fun and relaxed environment. | 
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INTRODUCTION TO ROBOTICS: 9AM-10AM- Recommended Grades 6-8 Instructor: Matthew Ducker Duffy - District High School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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Middle school students will construct an introductory Lego Robot (COR3, EV3/FLL basic design). Using this robot, students will have an opportunity to develop programming skills with basic block programming in a hands-on summer experience. The course will introduce students to engineering practices as they try to create a solution to meet presented challenges. | 
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JEWELRY MAKING 101- Beginner: 9AM-10AM - Recommended Grades 3-5 Instructor: Amy Kocot - District Middle School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00 Materials Fee: $15.00 |
Students will learn techniques of jewelry making that are used to create necklaces and bracelets. They will learn designing, stringing, crimping and finishing techniques for creating beaded jewelry. Students will be able to take home their very own beautifully designed piece. | 
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JEWELRY MAKING 101- Advanced: 12 PM- 1 PM Recommended Grades 6-12 Instructor: Amy Kocot - District Middle School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00 Materials Fee: $15.00 |
Students will learn techniques of jewelry making that are used to create necklaces, bracelets and more. They will learn designing, stringing, crimping and finishing techniques for creating beaded jewelry. Students will be able to take home their very own beautifully designed piece. |
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KEEPING IN STEP: First Grade: 9AM-10AM Recommended for students entering Grade 1 Instructor: Kathleen McArdle - District Elementary Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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A perfect workshop for next September’s first graders who need to maintain and strengthen their skills over the summer recess. There will be a focus on early literacy skills: including phonological awareness, sight word practice, an introduction to decoding strategies, beginning writing conventions and handwriting practice; so learners can view themselves as confident readers and writers. Math skills will be reinforced through games and math manipulatives. Whole group lessons and small-group activity centers will be implemented throughout the workshop. | 
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KEEPING IN STEP: Second Grade: 11AM-12PM Recommended for students entered Grade 2 Instructor: - Leigh Scarano - District Elementary Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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A perfect summer workshop for next September’s second graders who need to maintain and strengthen their skills before the start of the school year. Reading, writing, and math skills will be supported through centers, read alouds, writing stories, money, place-value and time activities. Daily participants’ skill work will vary as they move from whole-group activities to small group centers. |
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KEEPING IN STEP: Third Grade: 10AM-11AM Recommended for students entering Grade 3 Instructor: Kenneth Lam - District Elementary Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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A perfect workshop for next September’s third graders who need to maintain and strengthen their skills over the summer. There will be a particular focus on narrative, informative, and persuasive writing as well as reading comprehension. Math skills will be reinforced through games and math manipulatives. Whole group lessons and small-group activity centers will be implemented throughout the workshop. |
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LEGO LAND: - 10AM - 11AM Recommended Grades 1-4 Instructor: Kathleen McArdle - District Elementary Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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Calling all builders! Come spend some time building with Legos this summer. Students will participate in some fun building challenges as well as have time for constructing their own creations. Come join in the Lego fun! | 
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MATH GAMES- 10AM - 11AM Recommended Grades 3-8 Instructor: Olivia Annitti, District Middle School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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This summer further develop your math brain through math games, logic problems, math competitions, Rubik’s Cube games, computer games and more. It's a great opportunity to share what you know, learn new things, and meet new friends, too. | 
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READING THE RAINBOW: LGBTQIA+ Book Club: 11AM-12PM Recommended Grades 6-8 Instructor: Cynthia Raices - District High School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00 The cost of each book is between $5 and $20. The first class will include a “Book Tasting” and the title will be determined at the first class. |
In a fun, collaborative, and student-centered environment, students will learn about and explore how LGBTQIA+ topics are discussed in literature.They will then have the opportunity to apply what they've learned to an LGBTQIA+ novel(s) of their choosing (from the selection provided), which they will read and discuss in small groups. Potential lesson topics and skills to be addressed include analysis of writer's craft, how to write a book review, and proper discussion etiquette, among others. Course participants will participate in a Book Tasting the first session to collectively decide on the book that will be read. | 
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SCREENWRITING: 9AM-10AM - Recommended Grades 5-8 Instructor: Ray Moskal - District High School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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Students will learn how to write their own screenplays in proper screenwriting formatting. This class will collaborate with the production and editing classes to create full video projects along the three disciplines. | 
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STEM EXPLORATION: 10AM - 11AM - Recommended Grades 5-8 Instructor: Matthew Ducker Duffy - District High School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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STEM Exploration. Students enrolled in STEM exploration have an opportunity to become more familiar with the engineering process as they're faced with weekly STEM challenges. Students will be faced with modern problems and be required to brainstorm, research, and design solutions. Students will have the opportunity to construct their solutions out of craft supplies and ultimately test and present their solutions to their peers. | 
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STUDIO TV & BROADCAST JOURNALISM: 12PM-1PM- Recommended Grades 5-8 Instructor: Ray Moskal - District High School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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Students will work on creating their own live TV shows. Students will work and learn to use basic cameras and studio equipment. Students will also work on their on camera presentation skills, interviewing, and putting together news magazine stories. |
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THE ADVENTURER’S SOCIETY: 10AM - 11AM Recommended Grades 5-8 Instructor: Matthew Ritsko - District Middle School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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Become one of the protagonists of your very own story! In this program, participants will work together to create their very own fictional world - complete with its own geography, history, and characters. Then, students will venture forth into their world and engage in problem-solving, role-play, and all the best parts of an action-adventure movie. In the process, players will learn how to make decisions, compromise, and keep track of (imaginary) resources - all the while documenting the history and consequences of their actions and imaginations. | 
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VIDEO EDITING: - 11AM - 12PM- Recommended Grades 5-8 Instructor: Ray Moskal - District High School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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In this workshop, students will learn to make video graphics, text, and special effects using Motion, the video effects program made by Apple that ties into Final Cut Pro. Students will design graphics and logos and make them come alive via video magic. |
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VIDEO PRODUCTION: 10AM - 11AM - Recommended Grades 5-8 Instructor: Ray Moskal - District High School Teacher Location: Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School | TUITION: $197.00
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This class works on directing, acting, and shot composition in video. This class will produce the video that the screenwriting class makes and will hand it off to the video editing class to finish up the full process. |
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