Students in Teens ‘n’ Tweens learn how to make cinnamon rolls.
Mesa Public Schools is gearing up for a summer of fun and learning, with the Community Education Department featuring a variety of opportunities for students all over the East Valley.
Teens ‘n’ Tweens is one of the programs available. Understandably popular with students who have completed fifth- through seventh-grade, the focus is on fun. It features opportunities such as Project Runway, Shark Tank and Cupcake Wars.
“Teens ‘n’ Tweens summer program is the best-kept secret in all Mesa,” said Vicki Tolman, Skyline High School business and economics teacher. “I would have loved for my children to have experienced these incredible programs, with certified teachers instructing and captivating my children in engaging activities.”
Vicki has taught a variety of summer programs for the district. This summer, she will teach senior economics at Mountain View High School, but admits Tweens ‘n’ Tweens is a blast.
“Working with students who are excited to learn about Shark Tank, creating a brand new product and marketing it to a group of sharks, is one of my favorite things about teaching these classes,” Vicki shared. “Students were incredibly excited and came up with some very creative ideas to sell.”
Landon Miller, now an eighth-grader at Smith Junior High School, participated in Project Runway. He started in the community education summer programs for younger students, and decided to continue because they were fun. In Project Runway, with the help of a creative staff, he constructed a dress for his sister who modeled it in the final fashion show. The budding designer’s inspiration came from another dress his sister owns. He chose the fabric based on her favorite colors.
“The process involved a lot of math, sewing pieces together, and finally attaching everything,” Landon said. “I learned to organize and to incorporate a backup plan.”
Landon revealed some of his favorite moments involved all the teamwork and camaraderie between students. “You get to hang out with your old friends and make new friends. I hope they create a camp for older students,” he stated.
For more information about all Mesa Public Schools summer programs, please visit www.mpsaz.org/commed/summer-school.