Summer fun and learning go together

The Community Education Department of Mesa Public Schools offers a multitude of opportunities to tackle summer boredom for students all over the East Valley.

Tweens ‘n’ Teens

From dreaming up the latest fashions for the runway, to developing business plans and creating culinary confections, Tweens ‘n’ Teens Connect (TNT), offered at Red Mountain High School, is the place for summer fun for students who have completed fifth- through seventh-grade.

Participants choose from a variety of courses—supported by the Career and Technical Education Department. Students can engage in VAULT, a new interactive program designed to introduce financial responsibility; design clothing and produce fashion shows in project runway; overcome the challenges of baking the perfect frosted treats in cupcake wars; or learn about the art of composition in photography; and much more. Whether they sign up for an individual class or the full day camp, students will embark on enrichment activities, which are fun and age appropriate, but provide valuable learning experiences and opportunities to apply their new skills.

TNT keeps minds stimulated, and exposes students to a variety of careers. Last year, students proclaimed the summer camp an amazing hit, and parents reported an increase in dinner-table conversation, as student’s recounted their daily experiences. Teachers discuss the impact of summer retention rates, and confirm the importance of keeping students socially and academically engaged over the summer to ensure a successful return to the new school year.

Elementary Summer School

High-quality elementary summer school classes are available at Salk Elementary School, from June 2 through 27. Certified teachers reinforce skills in academic areas, such as reading, math, computers and science. Special interest classes allow for exploration and exposure to lifetime skills in classes, such as young chefs and young artists. Drama club encourages creative expression, through acting roles, and culminates in a play presented at the end of the session.

KidzCamp

From 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, five campuses will offer KidzCamp for kindergarten through sixth-grade students. Sites include Crismon, Field, Mendoza, Salk and Wilson elementary schools. KidzCamp offers breakfast and lunch, field trips, arts and crafts, cooking, physical activities, swimming, science technology, engineering and math activities, including Bonanza Educational LEGO, the Enrichment Program using LEGO brand toys to spark the imagination through engineering concepts and a creative mentality, weekly themes and more. This program emphasizes self-awareness and social awareness, thinking skills, creative expression and recreation.

Senior High Summer School

Senior High Summer School will be held during June and July, at Westwood High School, and is open to all ninth- through 12th-graders, regardless of residence. These tuition-based classes include science, math, English, social studies, physical education, Spanish and driver’s education. It is a great way to get a jump on required courses, or to explore a new elective area.

Mesa Distance Learning Program

In addition to Community Education’s campus-based programs, the Mesa Distance Learning Program offers accredited computer-based summer classes for students in seventh- through 12th-grade.

For registration and more information regarding summer programs, please visit www.mpsaz.org/commed, or www.mdlp.org for Mesa Distance Learning.