Groton Central School District offers its fourth year of free summer programs

The Groton Central School District (GCS) is entering its fourth year of the 21st Century Learning Center Grant, which focuses on learning and enrichment outside of the school day for all students, families and the community — and it’s all free for Groton residents!

Monica Dykeman, program director for the grant and all it has to offer, has been making plans since last year for summer 2025, and she is confident that it is going to be fun filled, with more than 50 camps and activities offered, ranging from gymnastics and guitar lessons to waterfall hiking and many types of arts and crafts — to name just a few. 

Some of Groton’s favorite teachers and staff members will be running these programs. All programs will include high-interest activities for students to engage in during the summer to help reduce the “summer slide” learning regression. This is an easy way for your child to try something new and build relationships with peers and school staff.

What Dykeman says about the programming and staff involved

“I have been lucky enough to work in some capacity with the Groton School District for 26 years,” Dykeman said. “The 21st Century grant has allowed me the chance to really build off that early work to create programs at all levels in the district. The school staff are the real backbone of the grant! Many staff members are using their passions, both in and outside the classroom, to build meaningful activities after the school day.”

As an example, Dykeman shared about a pre-kindergarten teacher who loves pickleball and is sharing her knowledge with her former students who are now in fourth or fifth grade. Similarly, a teacher who loves pottery is sharing her skills this summer with high school students.

“[The program] has grown very organically, and when adults love what they are sharing with kids, that excitement is contagious!” Dykeman added. “We can’t wait to spend summer with our students!” 

Endorsement from Superintendent Margo Martin and how to sign up

“I believe that summer programming provides so much more than the obvious,” said GCS Superintendent Margo Martin. “Yes, it keeps kids engaged in learning over the summer. Yes, it helps prevent the `summer slide’ in academic growth by providing opportunities for students to practice skills learned in fun and engaging ways. Yes, it allows students to be social, active and collaborative with their peers — all basic skills necessary for real-life success. But these programs also serve as a means to connect our students and families to our buildings, and research has long shown that a student connected is a student protected — from becoming disengaged, disinterested and, in the worst of times, dismissive of school in general. We are grateful we have a revenue stream from grant funding, a committed faculty and staff willing to give of their time in the summer months and a community that supports the district by keeping their kids involved!”

“We are excited to be offering such a wide variety of programs with something for everyone!” Dykeman explained. “Programs will run from July 7 through August 15. All programs are free for Groton residents, but space is limited.”

Registration for summer programming began April 18, but there are still spots remaining. Visit the GCS website to register. Please reach out to Dykeman at mdykeman@grotoncs.org or 607-898-5803 with any questions or concerns.

“In the first three years of the 21st Century grant, we have had over 500 programs, and almost every student in the district has participated!” Dykeman said. “Between the summer offerings, after-school activities, family nights and events, I’m always looking for new ideas or interests.” 

And do remember there are offerings for almost every age level, from students to adults. You do not need to attend GCS to participate — you need only to be a Groton resident! Every household should have received the colorful and informative budget bulletin in the mail last week, which also contains all of the summer programs offered, with extensive descriptions for those who might prefer to read them in print.

Groton on the Inside appears every week in Tompkins Weekly. Submit story ideas to editorial@vizellamedia.com or text or call Linda at 607-227-4922. 

In brief:

The Caboose is open!

In case you may not know this yet, the Groton Red Caboose has opened for the season! For now, spring hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and 2 to 8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Trail Tune-up Day

Groton Recreation is seeking volunteers to help clean up the Groton Trail system from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 17. All are welcome, but age 14 and under must be accompanied by a parent. Please bring your own tools and gloves. Meet at the Groton Memorial Park pavilion on Sykes Street and stay for lunch afterward. Visit grotonnyrecreation.com for details.

Groton Community Cupboard offers free food

The Groton Public Library’s (GPL) contract with the Food Bank of the Southern Tier ends soon and will not be renewed, due to a decision by its board of directors. The last week will be May 30 to June 6. The popular Free Food Healthy Tuesdays at GPL will continue. For further information, contact Sara Knobel at director@grotonpubliclibrary.org.

Always available for the community’s food needs is the Groton Community Cupboard, 122 Spring St. It is open Sundays from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Mondays from 12:30 to 3 p.m., and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. Monetary donations may be sent to P.O. Box 152, Groton, NY 13073.