Summer boredom? Nah, we got this. Guess who is having all the fun this summer? Mesa is. The Community Education Department of Mesa Public Schools offers a variety of opportunities for students all over the East Valley.
Elementary Enrichment
High-quality elementary summer school classes are available at Salk Elementary School in June. Culinary arts, karate, theater, literature, math, reading and writing, computers and ceramics are just a few of the exciting offerings this summer.
Get Ahead In High School
At Mesa High School, in June and July, eighth- through 12th-graders will take summer school courses for high school credit. Senior high summer school is open to all eligible students regardless of residence. Classes include science, math, English, social studies, physical education, Spanish, driver’s education and behind the wheel. As your teen approaches driving age, take a close look at her grades. Most insurance companies offer some form of good-student discount, usually available to teens with a B average or better. The discounts can be as high as 20 to 30 percent. Even if you are not able to benefit from a good-student discount, you will find many insurance providers are willing to extend additional discounts if your teen completes extra driver’s education.
Safe Summer Fun
Are your little kids ready for camp? From 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., 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, swimming, cooking, drama, arts and crafts, science, weekly themes and more. This program accentuates self-awareness and social awareness, thinking skills, creative expression and recreation.
Junior High Connection
Tweens ‘n’ Teens Connect (TNT), at Fremont Junior High School, is for students fifth through eighth grade. With the support of the Career and Technical Education Department, this program features opportunities for students to explore career choices, life skills, leadership skills and community involvement. Through various activities and projects, students develop social skills, team spirit and long-lasting friendships. Classes include photography, shark tank, project runway, leadership in bizzznisss, culinary skills, iron chef, agricultural science, cupcake wars, so you think you can dance, explore art techniques and community service.
For more information on these Community Education programs, please go to www.mpsaz.org/commed/summer_school.
Anywhere, Anytime
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. Take summer school classes anywhere in the world. Whether you take a vacation or a staycation—the Mesa Distance Learning Program can turn the kitchen, the cabin or the cruise into a summer school site for seventh- through 12th-graders. For registration and more information, please visit www.mdlp.org.
Tot Wallace is the director of community education for Mesa Public Schools.