MATTAPOISETT — Students from the Tri-Town and beyond attended a summer program offered by the Old Rochester Regional School District. They also got a visit from a furry, friendly community member along the way.

Students in the Summer Adventures in Learning program took courses like “Ocean Explorers," "Mad Science" and "Camp Read S'More," among others, which “incorporate many skills for students to practice including communication, collaboration, creative thinking and creativity,” according to a press release.

Summer Adventures in Learning has operated for 17 years. For the last 10 years, it’s been organized by Rochester Memorial School Assistant Principal Charles West and Old Hammondtown School sixth grade teacher Kyle Letendre.

"We strive to provide our students with a positive and equitable learning environment that focuses on inclusiveness, academic engagement and social connections," West said in a press release.

Students in the program recently received a visit from School Resource Officer Jon Tracy and comfort dog Norman of the Marion Police Department.

"Norman continues to impact our community in a positive way and we look forward to many more positive interactions with the Marion, Mattapoisett and Rochester communities, including the SAIL Program," Chief Richard Nighelli said in the release.

The mission of Summer Adventures in Learning is “to provide an enjoyable and supportive learning environment, prevent regression of previously learned skills and engage students with opportunities that strengthen their educational foundation,” according to the press release.