Stockbridge Community Schools offers summer learning…and fun!
by Judy Brune
This July and August, the hallways of Heritage School were filled with much more activity and energy along with many more smiles compared to most previous summers. Thanks to special grant funding provided by the state, this summer about 55 Stockbridge Community Schools students—in kindergarten through fifth grades—participated in the Learning Exploring Adventure Program (LEAP).
A four-weeks-long program, this literacy- and STEM-focused educational opportunity provided small-group learning and many hands-on activities. Students planted flowers, made animal habitats, constructed a wind turbine and built anemometers (a device that measures wind speed). Participants enjoyed two field trips as well, traveling to Howell Nature Center and to Hawk Island Park in Lansing. Healthy meals and transportation to and from Heritage School were provided.
“The goal was to help students get ready for the school year and boost reading and literacy skills. We did progress monitoring each week and saw great results, considering the short time we had,” said LEAP coordinator and second grade teacher, Laura Whitaker.
The program was a success thanks to the effort of many Stockbridge Schools staff members, including five teachers, three paraprofessionals, a social worker, bus drivers, food-service employees and custodians.
In addition to LEAP, the state grant provided other educational support opportunities throughout the district this summer. Small-group tutoring and high school credit-recovery sessions will help to bridge student learning into the 2021-2022 school year.
According to Michelle Hilla, director of curriculum and instruction for Stockbridge Schools, 154 students and 37 staff members took part in summer programming. Hilla added, “Teachers and support staff who participated will receive an additional stipend from the state for working the summer program after such a strenuous year.”
(All SCS Summer Fun photos provided by Laura Whitaker.)
(L to R) Deegan and Henry (going into 3rd grade) at the Howell Nature Center.
Mrs. Whitt’s class testing their anemometers to measure wind speed.
Our awesome bus drivers!
Ms. Grant doing small-group activities with students.
The whole group of LEAP participants at the Howell Nature Center.
Smith teachers (from left): Ms. Hartenburg, Mrs. Whitt, Ms. Grant and Mrs. Whitaker.
