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Highlights from Summer Programming

Highlights from Summer Programming

The Plain Local Schools "Great Outdoors" summer learning program was a successful initiative that catered to approximately 150 students in grades K-4. The primary objective of the program was to provide students with unique experiences while delivering relevant instruction and engaging them in hands-on learning activities. The program's theme revolved around COSI Connect Kits (Center of Science and Industry), which were facilitated by the teachers. These kits included a range of activities and lessons on various nature-related topics such as climate change, animal habitats, predator and prey features, and biomimicry.

One of the highlights of the program was the involvement of 4th-grade students, who focused on space-related activities. They had the opportunity to test their engineering skills by creating moon bases, launching rockets, and exploring different methods for astronauts to safely return to Earth. These activities encouraged critical thinking and deepened the students' understanding of the world around them.

Throughout the program, the students were actively engaged with the curriculum. Lewis Adkins, the summer school principal, expressed his satisfaction with the hands-on activities, stating, "The hands-on activities created amazing learning experiences for our students, and the teachers did a wonderful job of making these three weeks memorable for them. Many students approached me on the last day, expressing their desire for the summer school to continue!"

Although the program's final field trip to the Akron Zoo had to be canceled due to late June heat advisories, the staff ensured that the students still had a great time. Instead of taking the students to the zoo, the organizers brought the zoo to the students. Stark Parks, a local organization, enhanced the learning experience by visiting the school with various animal species, including owls and turtles. Students had the opportunity to learn about these animals and how Stark Parks cares for injured or sick animals. Additionally, the Plain Township Fire Department visited the school, allowing students to tour a firetruck and ambulance while learning about fire safety. “The kids had an absolute blast everyday!” added third-grade teacher Ann Watson.

In addition to the "Great Outdoors" program, Plain Local Schools offered various other camps as part of their summer program. These included coding camp, gaming camp, weird science camp, camp invention, outdoor education, musical theater camp, online health, and algebra. In total, this year’s summer program served roughly 400 students! “Without the amazing staff at Plain, from the custodians, cafeteria workers, teachers, and administrators and everyone in between, these invaluable opportunities would not exist for our students,” said Adkins.

The Plain Local Schools "Great Outdoors" summer learning program provided students with valuable educational experiences, fostering their curiosity about the natural world and encouraging them to think critically. The program's success can be attributed to the dedicated teachers and the support of community organizations like Stark Parks and the Plain Township Fire Department.

For questions about Summer Programs at Plain Local Schools please email Jill Downing at downingj@plainlocal.org