The recent government meeting highlighted a successful year for summer educational programs, showcasing a diverse range of classes and activities designed to engage students. With a total of 59 classes offered across two sessions, the programs catered to various interests, including popular options like \"Fishing with the DNR\" and safety training classes.
The summer school sessions are scheduled from July 15 to 26 and again from July 28 to August 9, primarily held at Tanger and the middle school, with additional offerings at the ice arena. The registration process, which opened on April 1, saw immediate interest from families, leading to full classes and a total enrollment of 796 unique students—an impressive figure that marks one of the highest participation rates in recent years.
New classes introduced this year included \"Nature Investigators\" for second and third graders, building on the previous year's \"Nature Explorers.\" Additionally, a robotics camp for middle school students proved to be a hit, serving as a precursor to the newly approved middle school robotics club.
Feedback from parents and students has been overwhelmingly positive, with reports of engaging activities such as making s'mores in solar ovens and exploring fables and fairy tales. The inclusion of Spanish immersion classes also received commendations for its successful attendance and innovative teaching methods, which involved older students assisting in instruction.
The meeting underscored the commitment of the educational staff, with 64 teachers contributing to the program, many of whom are compensated for their time but choose to participate out of passion for teaching. The collaborative effort between teachers and volunteers has fostered an enriching environment for students, allowing them to explore subjects and activities that extend beyond the traditional classroom setting.