The MBK summer program has a middle school grades focus and nine students gathered for a variety of great experiences.

The program is led by new MBK-IEG mentor Mr. Steven Clarke. Mr. Clarke resides on the Seneca Nation Cattaraugus Territory with his wife Tisheena and five children. He is a Marine, soccer coach, and holds a bachelor’s degree in pyschology.

Week 1 activities included:

Iroquois Pottery project with Gowanda High art teacher Mrs. Heather Rydzik.

Health & Nutrition presentation and hands-on cooking activity – with Whitney Brooks, owner of Full Circle Nutrition. The boys learned about healthy eating habits for athletic performance/recovery.

A trip to the Seneca Nation of Indians Bison Farm on Old Route 17 Allegany Territory. After the Bison Farm, a trip to the Seneca Nation of Indians Highbanks Campground for a scavenger hunt, lunch, and swimming.

Gowanda Mural Painting Project – students got to see murals up close on buildings like the Hollywood Theatre during a Mural Walk around Gowanda that ended at the La Via Pizzeria building.

The Friday field trip was a day at Allegany State Park-Red House Area. Students enjoyed a beautiful day fishing and swimming. Little fish, medium fish, and even a pond snail were caught and released.

Week 1 was a taste of new life experiences, transition time getting to know a new school for incoming fifth-graders, peer relationships, and social/emotional learning. Week 2 brought even more connectedness to our school and community.