WCS’s summer programs make summer learning fun and interactive. (Photos provided)WARSAW — Though many may suspect summer is a quiet time at Warsaw Community Schools, nothing could be further from the truth. Students and staff both are continuing educational efforts through both WCS’s annual summer school program, which is the largest summer school program in the state, as well as summer enrichment camps.

WARSAW — “Warsaw Community Schools is excited to provide a comprehensive summer learning program for our young people,” explained JoElla Smyth, summer school coordinator and principal of Edgewood Middle School. “We have a unique learning opportunity for students who are enrolled in kindergarten this fall, but have never attended pre-school.”

Through a generous partnership with United Way, WCS is helping young students who have not had experience in a classroom become acquainted prior to the school year. The program, titled Kindergarten Countdown, allows students to learn soft skills in a classroom setting that promotes a smooth transition into a learning environment.

“This year we have 60 students enrolled in this program,” stated Smyth. “We are thankful to the United Way for partnering with our corporation to make this opportunity possible!”

Students in kindergarten are also able to partake in a transitional course for first grade. This 17-day course offers a learning experience aimed to help boost student confidence while transitioning for the first time into their next grade level.

WCS is also offering a fun, reading-focused program which bolsters both student enjoyment and confidence while reading. The program aims to help students who may not have passed the third grade IREAD assessment succeed in the second round of testing.

“We offer two options for learning in the summer time for our students in grades four through seven,” noted Smyth. “Students can work on reading, writing and math during this summer session or they can enrich their learning in our summer STEM program. Patrons can have the opportunity to see a showcase of student learning at the Stellar Community Event Friday, July 1.”

Though WCS offers numerous summer school options for elementary and middle school students, high school students are also able to utilize course offerings to both accelerate learning or recover credits. Students are able to enroll in band, strings, driver’s education and agriculture courses during the summer as well.

Summer school programming runs from June 7-29 and July 7-29; however, this is not the only summer education option for students in the area. WCS is also offering three weeks of summer enrichment camps with scholarships available to those who enroll.

Through a partnership with Ivy Tech and Science Central, students can immerse themselves in education focused on technology, science, exploration and project-based learning. Programs include: Journey Through the Cosmos; Art in the Great Outdoors; Introduction to Lego NXT Robotics; and Advanced Lego Robotics.

Students enrolled in the camp are offered free meals and transportation. Enrollment is $100 per student with scholarships available to those interested. Courses begin in July. Applications will be accepted until June 24. Registration will close at that time and camps without sufficient enrollment numbers may be canceled.

For further information on how to enroll your child today, call (574) 371-5093 ext. 2707 or email [email protected].