Dedham Middle School TREK Program now in Session

Written by Joe Kilroy

Dedham Middle School TREK Program now in Session.

Recently, on a hot, sticky Summer morning, we had the opportunity to spend  a few minutes with Dedham Middle School computer technology teacher, Judy Foley. This Summer, Ms. Foley has been chosen as the DMS TREK Program Coordinator. TREK stands for Technology, Recreation, Enrichment, Knowledge – the four principals that the school`s three-week program is based on. 

Now in its eight year, TREK was created in 2005 by Dr. Cathy Oravetz and Dr. Don Langenhorst. This Summer session was originally designed to help DMS students complete portions of their Summer Math and Reading homework. Over the years the program has evolved, and like the Dedham Public School System, it has continued to strive to meet the community`s needs.

The TREK program now offers math-strengthening skills, reading strategies, and creative writing assignments, all of which will help improve a student`s MCAS scores. In addition to working on their Summer Math and Reading, the 6th – 8th grade boys and girls take part in various Science projects and keyboarding practice on the school`s computers. Along with this academic curriculum, the TREK students participate in a daily physical activity class, which includes soccer, dodgeball, basketball, and other games with their peers.

Currently, there are 140 Dedham Middle School students enrolled in the TREK program, with interest growing each year. Ms. Foley leads a team of eight teachers, including: Carolynne Downes, Rebecca Huff, Karen Jones, Dan King, Sue Lyons, Philip Nerboso, and Andrew Patterson, along with a dozen high-school student volunteers.

Humbly, Judy Foley credits TREK`S success to the “team approach” of teaching. We have seen how this formula has worked, and worked well, throughout the district. Sitting nearby, 6th grade teacher Sue Lyons let us know, that Ms. Foley herself, has been instrumental in “keeping the program running smoothly.” “She has had her hands full, and has done a great job. All we have to do is come in and teach each day.”

We watched as Ms. Foley, file folders in hand, made her way through the cafeteria, readying five groups of 6th graders, two groups of 7th graders, and a group of 8th grade boys and girls for the day`s activities. She had “an answer” for any question posed to her, whether it was from a teacher or a student. A good team always needs a good leader, and it looks like the DMS Summer TREK Program is doing just fine.