Fifth through eighth grade students learned about protecting themselves online during a presentation on Internet Safety by DARE Officer McGee.

August 14, 2007 -- As summer comes to a close, more than 400 students participating in the district's Summer Reading and Writing Program are preparing to showcase their work during an evening program for their parents and families on Tuesday, August 14 or Wednesday, August 15.

"Students are extremely excited for parent night to show off what they've been doing all summer," said grade five through eight Summer Reading and Writing Program Principal Shawn Durant. 

Now in its 21st year, the program continues to grow, as well as immerse eligible students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade in meaningful curriculum that supports and extends their development in reading, writing, thinking, listening, speaking and even math.

The half-day program runs for six weeks from July 10 to August 17. Students in pre-kindergarten through fourth grade are housed at Latham Ridge while fifth through eighth grade students are housed at Shaker Junior High School.

"Teachers use a variety of hands-on motivating activities that keep students interested in learning," said pre-kindergarten through fourth grade Summer Reading and Writing Program Principal Beth Geragosian. 

Students participate in enjoyable, interesting and fun reading activities. Depending on grade level, students may read books aloud, write poetry, practice specific learning strategies, as well as read a variety of genres. Students follow a combination of instructional methods including small group instruction, use of district computers and library resources, and even field trips.

"Our devoted teachers provide each student with meaningful experiences to develop not only reading and writing skills, but the enjoyment of reading and writing as well," said Durant.

A new Summer Math Program, which was added last year to the curriculum for fifth and sixth grade students who qualify, reinforces concepts taught during the school year. Students attend math and computer labs, as well as use real-life applications to help strengthen and practice their addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fraction and other math skills.

"This program is successful because it reinforces what students are learning during the year and bridges the gap from school year to school year."

Parents and family members are invited to attend the evening program for fifth through eighth grade students on Tuesday, August 14 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Shaker Junior High. The pre-kindergarten through fourth grade program will be held on Wednesday, August 15 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Latham Ridge.