Summer classes offer skills help

A little work during the summer could make a difference come test time for a number of students, and teachers at Heatherwood Middle School are hoping to make that happen.

Heatherwood offers its own summer school program, separate from the one established by the school district, as many schools do, said principal Greg Gelderman. It runs through Aug. 11.

The four-week program offers opportunities for students to improve their skills in reading and writing and in math.

There are 16 students enrolled in each subject, and Gelderman said he had hoped the numbers would be higher.

“We definitely have more than 16 or 17 kids who are not at standard,” he said.

Teachers begin talking with parents after second trimester report cards are issued, encouraging them to consider enrolling their students in the summer school programs.

Gelderman said he had hoped to have twice as many students enroll, but he understands it can be hard to fit into busy summer schedules.

The students in summer school are at a variety of levels, and teachers are able to work with them to ensure they are grasping the fundamentals.

“It isn’t just one size fits all,” Gelderman said.

Students in the program are focusing on basic computation and problem-solving skills and the writing process. Many questions and activities are structured more like those students will face when taking the Washington Assessment of Student Learning.

“The focus in both (subjects) is on the state standards,” he said.

He hopes the program will challenge students and help them improve and gain confidence.

“It shouldn’t be a lot of new material, but it will be a chance for kids who haven’t quite mastered something,” Gelderman said.