ABOUT US
Vela means “come out and shine” in Xhosa
and “candle” in Spanish.
The VELA Scholars program provides Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS) students with learning and enrichment opportunities after regular school hours beyond what might otherwise be available to them. We work hard to increase students’ confidence, social, and emotional well-being, as well as their academic performance. By working with teachers, interns, community partners, and other students in the classroom and beyond, VELA hopes students will:
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Increase core competencies and comprehension in academic subjects
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Engage in intellectually stimulating and personally interesting projects and activities
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Prevent the loss of recently learned skills and knowledge
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Feel a greater connection to ARMS and the local community
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Have fun while learning!
A Partnership With The Collaborative for Educational Services & Amherst Regional Middle School
VELA Summer Program
VELA offers a summer program with learning and enrichment opportunities to incoming and current Amherst Regional Middle School (ARMS) students. A variety of both academic classes and enrichment activities are offered to engage students in ways that are both intellectually stimulating and personally interesting. Additionally, the summer program establishes a space for incoming students to build relationships and form a community with fellow students and teachers before the school year, easing the transition from elementary to middle school.