Summer of Learning
by Jennifer Wickard
June 27, 2008
Summer of Learning
190 students from Kindergarten to 12th grade registered and attended summer school during the month of June. It was held at the middle school in order to accommodate the summer construction and renovations happening at the elementary school. To qualify for summer school, students needed to fit into one of three categories: ELL, migrant status, or be nominated by a teacher. For grades 9 – 12, only students with ELL or migrant status could be part of the program.
Running from June 2 – June 27, students furthered their education with reading, math, science and other special activities. Grades 3 – 8 used the Corrective Reading program to help students who are more than one grade below reading level. Grades K – 2 used Sound Partners and personal reading books to help with the students who are still learning to read.
The Blue River Family Center also gave students the opportunity to learn and grow with two teachers from Mexico. These teachers not only taught their own lessons inside the classes, but showed the students just how much fun it can be to know about two different cultures.
Thanks to the help of businesses and the community, students were able to go and explore different parts of the community. Kindergarten and first graders made weekly trips to the library, and also made other trips to the post office, firehouse, and Valentino’s. The Crete Police Department came and discussed road safety with the classes and even let them sit inside their cruisers!
“Without the support of the community and businesses, summer school would not be a such a rich experience.” says Ellen Miller, a kindergarten teacher at Crete Elementary and during summer school. “They really get involved and genuinely care about the students.”
A special thanks goes out to the businesses who donated coupons, time and food to summer school – Dairy Queen, Burger King, Amigos, McDonalds, Farmland, Crete Police Department, Crete Fire Department and the Crete Post Office.
