Bricks4Kidz joins Chamber members at ribbon-cutting ceremony

WARWICK — Bricks4Kidz program President Tina Bossio and her family were joined May 30 by Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton, Mayor Michael Newhard and members of the Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce for a ribbon cutting ceremony outside the Chamber's "Caboose" office on South Street.

Bossio explained that parents and kids alike sigh with relief at the end of another school year.

Yet studies show that summer "brain drain" is a very real phenomenon.

Where kids are intellectually at the end of one school year isn't always where they are when they begin a new one.

Over the summer, the average student loses more than two months of grade-level equivalency in math skills.

"Our program for kids ages two through 13," she said, "offers hands-on learning through proprietary themed-based LEGO model builds, developed by architects and engineers. This is a program for kids who love Legos. And at Bricks 4 Kidz, we believe that kids learn best through activities that engage their curiosity and creativity."

Bossio added that the program focuses on science, technology, engineering and math. It allows children to collaborate with their peers, teaching teamwork and organization while enhancing self-esteem and improving fine motor skills.

"Children have the innate ability to use their imaginations and embrace their visions," said Bossio. "Our program provides the atmosphere where gears and motors take simple bricks and turn them into the visions kids dream of."

Bossio's program is also available for children's parties. And when the school year begins, Bricks4Kidz offers after-school programs that can be particularly valuable and may even inspire a student to consider a high-demand career.

For additional information, call 610-3354 or visit www.bricks4kidz.com/362.

- Roger Gavan