Learning doesn’t take a summer vacation at New Lebanon CSD. This summer, Walter B. Howard Elementary students attended the summer school program for support in literacy, while incoming 8th and 9th grade students attended the Summer Academy to preview their learning for the next school year. Both programs are located at the Jr/Sr High School.
Second grade teacher Kelli Griffin co-teaches the summer school program for students in Kindergarten through Grade 6. This program provides additional help and support in reading. Students have the opportunity to read with friends, play literacy board games and even participate in lessons on iPads and computers.
“The kids really like the iPads and the computers because it’s more fun and it makes the lessons feel like a game,” said Griffin. “Summer school helps students maintain the growth they achieved throughout the year and it keeps them excited.”
Elementary students attend summer school for six weeks, for two hours each morning.
Kara Gillivan teaches science at the district’s Summer Academy program. This year’s attendees are largely 9th grade students who are learning English, Science and Math to help prepare them for their first year of high school in the fall. The program also welcomes rising 8th graders who want to get a jump on their next year’s program.
“It’s not just preparation for high school, they learn skills they can take with them for the rest of their lives,” said Gillivan. “They especially enjoy the hands-on activities; they grasp the concepts better this way.”
8th and 9th grade students attend Summer Academy three days a week from 9 a.m. to noon.