Ask any kid. Summer school-yuck. Bored to death in a hot classroom while your supposed friends are having the best summer ever. The commonly held belief is that these kids are required to be in school, making up for serious mid-semester misdeeds.
When summer school started, bright and early at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 7, most students were there because they wanted to be there. Janet Kennedy, principal of Winnemucca Junior High School said about 120 students were participating in the summer school program this year, and most of them were taking a health education class which could be completed during the school year. No summer school required.
"It's a mixed bag of seventh and eighth-graders and a couple of high school students. They are mostly new freshman completing health education credits, or students catching up on core classes. We also have one student in an accelerated biology class," said Kennedy.
Brooklyn Backus, an incoming sophomore, is taking Biology I over the summer, voluntarily. She completes most of her studies at home, and takes chapter and review tests at the school.
"I just want to get ahead," Backus said.
When she is not studying, Backus still found time this summer to attend sports camps and go on vacation with her family.
About 100 students are completing a half-credit health education course required for graduation by the Nevada Department of Education. Students who complete the summer school program free up an entire semester for any other core class or elective they would rather take during the school year. Students who take the half-credit health course in the fall only have computers as the other half-credit option.
Trenna Millikan, an incoming freshman, said summer school was allowing her to get ahead in her high school career. Millikan said it was a great way to start out her freshman year, and by taking the health class this summer, she is able to choose an elective that suits her needs. She hasn't yet decided which elective to take, but is considering art, yearbook, and Spanish. As for missing out on summer fun, Millikan said, "It's not that big a deal. I don't have anything else to do."
Incoming freshman Shelbie McBride said she might choose fashion design, world geography, or art as an elective. Her family goes camping in the summer, but she said, "I chose to do this. It's just easier to get (the health class) over with."
When asked why he was in summer school, incoming freshman Brayden Jensen said, "My dad is making me." Jensen, whose dad just happens to be Dr. Dave Jensen, school superintendent, would rather be sleeping than studying health education. According to the younger Jensen, his father has high expectations of him, and wants him to just get the class finished.
"I heard the class was harder in actual school than here," said Jensen. He plans to take weight training, business, or computers as an elective.
The health education class, which was piloted last summer with advanced placement high school students, is not so easy, Kennedy said.
"Some kids might think they'll be finished in four days, but no. As they progress, the more difficult it becomes. And they have four projects to complete and multiple essays to write," Kennedy said.
About 25 students are credit deficient, meaning they failed core classes. The core classes are math, science, English, and social studies. Kennedy said summer school is an opportunity for these kids to make up credits instead of repeating a grade. Eighth-graders who don't pass their summer school classes have to return for a third year at the junior high.
According to Kennedy, the reasons why kids get themselves into a summer school situation are as varied as the children themselves.
"The transition from elementary school to a junior high environment throws them for a loop. Some can't adjust to the rigor. Some just require more one-on-one and some need more remediation skills," Kennedy said.
All summer school students must pay $60 to enroll, and those funds pay the summer school teachers' salaries. If remediation students are unable to afford the $60 tuition, Kennedy said she will find a way for them to get into summer school.
"We won't say no to somebody if they don't have the funds. We have a type of scholarship fund," Kennedy said.
Both the core remediation and health education classes are computer-based and self-paced. Two highly-qualified teachers, Daralee Millikan and Kim Forney, guide and monitor the students during the four hours they are in class. Kennedy said the teachers will also teach mini lessons and provide extra help for the students who need it.
This year is Forney's first time teaching summer school. During the school year, Forney teaches math at the junior high school. She sees the summer program as a great opportunity for kids to get back on track and for other kids to get ahead.
"Ninety percent of the students are self-motivated. There's some talking, but they seem to be moving pretty quickly," said Forney. The less motivated students receive extra attention or maybe even a pep talk.
The summer school program ends Aug. 7, which is perfect timing for Forney. She will be taking her son to school in California, and "hitting the coast."
Incoming eighth-grade student, Cameron Sandoval, said summer school was OK but he would rather be hanging out with friends and playing video games. He is making up work for a class, which he admits, he slacked on during the school year. Said Sandoval, "I kinda regret it, and I'll try a lot harder in the fall."
Contact Stephanie Morton at s.morton@winnemuccapublishing.net.
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