Enrichment Program

Defining Enrichment Education

Rye Neck UFSD will provide ALL students with a comprehensive and globally-informed enrichment education that promotes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving skills. We believe that by providing students with a global context and opportunities for collaboration, we can prepare them for success in a rapidly changing world. Our enrichment programs will be aligned district-wide, and will be designed to challenge and inspire all students, regardless of their background or abilities. We will work in partnership with families, educators, and the community to create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment that fosters curiosity, innovation, and a passion for lifelong learning

Enrichment Coordinators

Leigh Ann Kowalchick, Chairperson
Daniel Warren Coordinator

Jessica Finney-Trotta
F. E. Bellows Coordinator

Jennifer Fratello
MS/HS Coordinator

Enrichment Symbols

Enrichment Education and Advanced Learning

Rye Neck has a long history of and commitment to providing Enrichment programs and opportunities for ALL Rye Neck students. In Rye Neck, Enrichment programs are designed to challenge and engage students in ways that traditional education may not. These programs can include activities such as project-based learning, field trips, mentorships, and extracurricular activities.

At this time in the school year when we reflect, review and consider all that has been conducted and experienced throughout our learning community, it is exciting to highlight the rich, diverse range of Enrichment endeavors in which our students have engaged. Of equal importance, it is vital that a special spotlight and thanks be given to the many initiators and providers of Enrichment – Rye Neck Staff and Administration, Rye Neck PTSA, Rye Neck Community, Rye Neck Enrichment Team, and our Rye Neck Students – over the course of the school year.

Let’s take a moment to highlight and celebrate the many Enrichment accomplishments that have been achieved this year in Rye Neck – bravo to all!

Daniel Warren: Wonder and Exploration

This year, learners at DW explored and participated in a broad range of Enrichment activities and projects. Year-long enrichment opportunities were anchored in our Wonder Studio, with new topic offerings throughout the year that engaged each and every DW student and provided continued opportunities to question, ponder, experiment and research. This was also an expansion year for our Noon Pursuits program as we were able to offer two, multi-week “lunch and learn” style sessions that offered students different pursuit options, each session designed by a DW teacher with a menu of guided activities geared to strike an interest or connect to an existing one. This was also a banner year for our Peace Garden program. Guided by Rye Neck parents and PTSA members, this program has “blossomed” with weekly opportunities to create art, hear stories and cultivate in the garden. A new Kitchen Garden has been designed and implemented along with a stunning new Reading Nest and exterior Lending Library. In addition to these Enrichment opportunities, DW students and staff experienced the following Enrichment opportunities:

Wonder Studio	Noon Pursuits
Peace Garden Program	Rye Y Recess Program
After-School Clubs	Book Fairs and Activit Nights
DW STEAM Presentation: New York Chinese Cultural Society	Eureka Math Program
Science Fair	Science 21 Program
Family Fitness Night	DW STEAM Presentation: Skydome Planetarium
Visiting Author: Tad Hills	Visiting Science Programs
DW Cultural Programming	DW Art Show
DW Grade Level Music Concerts	Spring Jr. Musical Theater

F.E. Bellows: Deepening and Delving

Enrichment opportunities at F.E. Bellows truly highlight the “deepening and delving” nature of our Grades 3-5 learners. Across all of our grades and throughout the school year, FEB students and staff engaged in a wide range of Enrichment activities, opportunities and integrations in and out of the classroom. From captivating field trips to sites such as The Botanical Gardens, West Point and The Bronx Zoo, to experiences in the Idea Lab and Library with the Seekers & Solvers: Crime Scene Investigation program, and PTSA sponsored endeavors such as “From Page to Stage” theater residency and the 4th Grade Circus, FEB learners were completely immersed in a multitude of Enrichment activities and experiences.

Rye Neck Middle School: Expanding and Cultivating

At the Rye Neck Middle school, the idea of middle school learners as “expanding and cultivating” their questioning thinking, and personal development was truly capitalized for Grades 6-8 throughout the 2023-24 school year. Available to all middle school students are multiple engaging enrichment with opportunities to take deep dives and try new things. From the MS Literary Magazine, Science Olympiad, Kindness Ambassadors, Robotics, Drama and so much more, RNMS learners are invited and encouraged to investigate, expand and cultivate new interests and understandings about themselves, the middle school community and the world around them.

Rye Neck High School: Specializing and Refining

It is at the RN High School that Enrichment opportunities, quite frankly, explode! While the Enrichment pursuits for our Grades 10-12 learners are plentiful, care and attention are applied to make sure students have the chance to authentically specialize and refine their interests and research as they make their way through their final years of their Rye Neck learning journey. Highlighted examples of the multiple Enrichment opportunities RNHS are offered include the Independent Learners Program (ILP) which provides students an opportunity to develop their strengths and talents in an interest-based project. Self-directed ILP projects emphasize the application of knowledge and skills in real world situations. Additionally, STEM programs, in the classroom and via after-school clubs, is very enriched. Opportunities for students include a wide-range of specialty science courses in the RNHS Collaborative Science Center, Science Olympiad, and the recently launched Experiment Night, co-hosted by the RNHS Science Department and the student-run STEM Board. Additional examples of Enrichment offerings that are provided to students through their work and involvement include: the Holocaust & Human Rights Education Center's Leadership Conference; Muses Literary Magazine; wide-ranging sports opportunities; and the RNHS Theatre Program (which was named as one of the top 25 theatre programs in the country).

In This Section