OXFORD – A typical board of education meeting usually involves school leaders wearing some semblance of professional business attire. At Tuesday night’s meeting of the Oxford school board, however, the attire was decidedly groovier, with board members and administrators all sporting tie-dyed tees in tribute to a teacher who has spent the last two decades building the district’s summer reading program.

Those familiar with the program may recognize the significance of the psychedelic T-shirts, as Leslie Koopman, the sixth grade reading teacher who created the course, traditionally ends each summer’s session tie-dying with participants.

“After 21 years, we’ve had another great summer,” said Koopman, as she updated the board on the summer’s activities.

The summer reading program consists of hour and a half long classes in reading and math held each day, Monday through Thursday during the month of July. Breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge to participants through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program.

Throughout the month-long program, kids engage in reading, writing and creative activities and are treated to special programs and field trips. Some of the highlights of this summer’s session included visits from the Ross Park Zoomobile, the Merry Go Round Playhouse and musical comedian Jim “The Spoon Man” Cruise, Koopman reported. A special trip to the ropes course at Afton Central School was of particular interest to the students who participated, and one which they hope to repeat during the school year.