Summer learning
and fun
SPHERE Summer Program
“Many SPHERE campers jump a full grade level in math and/or reading over the course of the program.”
SPHERE is not convening during the summer of 2021 due to COVID-19, we expect to be up and running in the summer of 2022. Applications can be downloaded from the Watkinson website beginning Jan. 2022.
Watkinson’s SPHERE summer program is a nonprofit, five-week tutorial program for 80 Hartford and East Hartford youth entering grades 1-5 held on our gorgeous campus in Hartford, CT. The program runs from June 29th-July 31st. SPHERE will be closed on July 3rd. The day runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with lunch and including morning/afternoon snack.
Mission and Goals
SPHERE successfully integrates educational hands on activities and classroom academics with enriching summertime activities. The main goal of SPHERE is to bridge the end of school year with the beginning of the next year to prevent as much learning loss as possible. In Addition, SPHERE helps students discover that learning can be achieved through varied creative and recreational activities.
SPHERE classes are aligned with the Common Core State Standards covering literacy, math, science, reading, art, physical education and computers. Our small classes provide special attention and personalized instruction that prepares the student for the upcoming school year.
Special Activities
- Trip to Connecticut Science Center and Children’s Museum
- Special Guest Readers and scientist from Watkinson School
- Parent volunteer opportunities to share special passions/talents
- All students work with computers to reinforce reading and math skills
- Trip to Bushnell Carousel with a fun picnic
- Daily half hour silent reading time
- Counselor led activities
- Weekly trips to 4-H Education Center at Auerfarm
- Sprinklers on Fridays
- SPHERE Olympics
- And other surprises
Here is a Sample of One Day in SPHERE
- 9:00-10:00 – Literacy (reading and writing skills work)
- 10:00-10:10 – Snack
- 10:15-11:15 – Math
- 11:20-11:40 – Sustained Silent Reading
- 11:45-12:10 – Lunch
- 12:15-12:40 – Recess
- 12:45-1:45 – Technology
- 1:50-2:50 – PE/Counselor Activity
- 2:55-3:55 – Art
- 4:00 – Dismissal
Students are grouped according to grade level. Counselors and CIT’s (counselors-in-training) are assigned to each group and stay with that group for the duration of the summer program. This creates a setting for the students to take risks in a safe learning environment. The staff provides in-class assistance, encouragement, guidance and redirection to the students.
Want to know more about SPHERE at Watkinson?
Downey Knapp
Director of Learning Skills Program and SPHERE
How to Apply
Application materials are also available upon request by emailing sphere@watkinson.org or by calling: 860-236-5618 ext. 156.
Applications for returning students have priority acceptance up to March 10, 2020.
After March 10th, if openings are available, new students will be accepted on a first come first serve basis until May 22nd. Only completed application packets will be considered.
- Application form
- Teacher recommendation
- Health form
- Utility Bill to prove residency in Hartford and East Hartford
- Registration fee: The family must provide a non-refundable** $65.00 money order registration fee for the first child and $40.00 each additional child. No personal checks or cash will be accepted.
**If there is no longer available space at the time that we receive your application, your money order will be refunded to you.
For more information please feel free to contact sphere@watkinson.org or 860-236-5618 ext 156.
Employment Opportunities
We are looking for elementary school teachers and counselors who enjoy working with youth and are energetic and creative to join our staff this summer.
If you are interested in a teaching position, please consult Watkinson’s employment listings to read about our SPHERE Teaching opportunities.
Applications for our Counselor Positions are below:
CIT (Counselor in Training) – Entering 9th and 10th grade
Counselor Application – Entering 11th or 12th grade or older
If you have any questions, please email sphere@watkinson.org
Donations: In kind contributions are much needed such as office supplies, arts & crafts, sports equipment. Some of the items on our wish list include, jump ropes, hula hoops, frisbees, basketballs, footballs, Nerf balls, kick balls, 1-5th grade reading books, board games, pencils, notebooks, erasers, crayons, markers, writing paper, glue, paint, sidewalk chalk.
Thank you to our 2019 Funders
Ensworth Charitable Foundation
George & Grace Long Foundation
Fisher Foundation
The West Hartford Lions Club
Barbara Foley
