June 15, 2016
School’s in for summer Around Town
5
Mudrun benefits charity
Studens excel at SkillsUSA
School
8
Robotic team wins
Photo courtesy Wentzville School District Students attend a summer school class in the Wentzville School District.
Summer school continues rapid growth in size and scope for St. Charles County school districts
Business
9
Small business of the year
By Brett Auten To a select age demographic, the mention of the words “summer school” conjure up less-than-positive images of students who quite didn’t make the grade during the regular school session. But much like how we consume movies and television and how we keep in touch with friends and family, that way of thinking is old hat. Nowadays, summer school is readily available to everyone and for every reason; from the students who may need a little extra help in a specific subject, to the ones who just can’t get enough learning – and everything in between. The facts are, more kids are spending part of their summer vacation in the classroom because they want to be there, not because they have to. In the Wentzville school district, around 2,400 students are enrolled in summer school. At the high-school level, 30 classes are available covering six different subjects, including personal finance, health, social studies, physical education, English and more. “Our summer school numbers have
increased every year,” Mary LaPak, director of community relations for the Wentzville School District said. “Students want to take advantage.” At Wentzville high schools there are two summer sessions, each lasting three weeks. A student can take one class per session. Knocking out a required course, like health, can open up the regular semester for a student take an elective that they have a stronger interest in. For kindergarten through eighth grade Wentzville offers both enrichment courses in math, science, social studies and more, as well as STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) camps. For the younger students there are more fun, hands-on course work like forensic science and sports statistics. “Within the last three-to-five years we have offered a lot more in the K-througheight enrichment programs and that has attracted a lot more students,” LaPak said. “The parents appreciate the help in bridging the gap from summer to the beginning of the school year.” For some a stigma may still surround
traditional, remedial summer school, but for a growing bulk, especially in the higher middle school grades and into high school, they aren’t necessarily taking summer school courses because they are falling behind. Instead it’s more likely because they want to jump ahead. The Fort Zumwalt summer school program focuses on reading help at the elementary level and credit recovery for middle and high schoolers. For the district’s fourth and fifth graders, an enrichment program focused on STEM work is in place for this summer with classes in computer coding, robotics and engineering among others. “Our district is committed to STEM education,” Jen Walters, assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction said. “When you look down the road the research shows that majority of jobs and occupations are likely going to be in the STEM fields. We feel that (STEM courses) is a way to have students explore these pathways.” See School on page 2
Learn & Play
Smart eats for summer
11
Movie: “Finding Dory”
FREE Online Subscription at mycnews.com