By MATT LINDSEY

POTSDAM -- Potsdam Central School will pilot an online summer school program instead of busing students to Massena to participate in the BOCES regional summer school program.

The program, designed for students in seventh to twelfth grade, is offered through a cross-contract with the Jefferson-Lewis BOCES out of Watertown, according to Potsdam Central Superintendent Joann Chambers.

She said schools in that region have been using that model successfully for a decade. “I think we are the first one in the county to try this.”

“Summer school can help students with credit recovery – they can fill in the pieces for what they need to relearn or possibly learn for the first time instead of repeating a course,” she said.

If a student is fails a course, it is more difficult to work toward a diploma when already behind, Chambers said. “We want a way to keep students on track for graduation – even in situations for long-term absences or suspensions.”

Generally, around 20 students in grades seven through twelve attend summer school each year at Potsdam Central.

Students enrolled in the summer program would use a program called PLATO. Each course would be overseen by a certified teacher.

There would also be an onsite coordinator for the summer school program.

Teachers and the coordinator would be employed by Jefferson-Lewis BOCES. However, PCS district can recruit and select staff for these positions.

The district is exploring running a pair of three-week session (July 5-27 and July 28-Aug. 18).

The program would run for three hours a day, four days a week. Typically, students would report to school for two of those days (perhaps Tuesday/Thursday), and teachers would monitor students remotely the other two days.

However, there is a lot of flexibility in how PCS can operate the program locally.

Once staff have been selected, they will work together with building principals to design a program that meets the needs of the district.

Students will not be required to attend class in school each day, Chambers said. “It will be a blended environment.”

Not having to physically attend school will allow students to more easily plan for summer employment opportunities, family obligations and other activities.

“Tests would still need to be taken in school under the supervision of a teacher,” she said.

Teachers would be paid $19 per hour for three hours per day for 26 days. The program coordinator would be paid for four hours each day for 34 days for a total of $3,400.

Teachers and the program coordinator would participate in a full-day of training on PLATO in May or June.