Summer School Gets Kids Up To Speed

By CRAIG HIGGINS

The Progress

Temperatures may be heating up outside, but for some Moapa-area students learning continues through this year’s Summer Acceleration programs. Currently being held at all local Clark County School District (CCSD) schools until June 17, the programs seek to bridge the formidable learning gap caused by the pandemic, as well as giving students opportunities to develop skillsets in areas such as robotics and music.

Asked about their programs, area school administrators were more than happy to reach out, touting the benefits of Summer Acceleration.

Marianne Ekenstam, Assistant Principal at Ute Perkins Elementary in Moapa, discussed her school’s efforts to stimulate young minds. “The program is provided for all students to help them keep their academic edge,” Ekenstam said. “Direct instruction in English Language Arts and Math are a big part of the program.”

Ekenstam said that the summer program has the advantage of small class sizes. Thus there is more opportunity for students to receive individualized instruction.

Smaller class sizes enable teachers to focus on those students looking to improve core skills, long a common concern among staff and parents alike.

Ekenstam added that Summer Acceleration teachers can more effectively put students into “small groups working on targeted strategies.” This helps them develop valuable social and collaborative skills, she said.

In Logandale, Grant Bowler Elementary Principal Kelby Robison touted the enthusiasm around his school’s summer schedule.
“The program is optional so most students love the activities, games, and educational (enrichment),” Robison said.
“The classes offered include everything from math and reading to board games and robotics,” Robison said. “Teachers have tons of fun games and activities for the students.”

But Summer Acceleration is not limited to the elementary level. At Moapa Valley High School (MVHS), Assistant Principal Mitchell Ozaki gave a rundown on enrollment for Summer Acceleration.
“We have 165 students signed up, mostly to participate in extracurricular activities,” Ozaki said.
Elective classes available this summer include theater tech, art, dance, weightlifting, football, and basketball.

Ozaki further promoted the program’s merits as a leg up for students looking at credit recovery, a key feature for those looking to recoup their standing post-COVID, and graduate with their peers.
“Students can earn a half-credit in a class they failed,” Ozaki said.

He also specified that all core classes are available for this kind of recovery program. “Students can earn a half-credit in various math, science, history, and English classes,” he said.

Summer school is a common feature of the educational systems in many countries. With a long, hot summer ahead, students at area schools are making the most of their opportunities to grow and improve.