Enrich, Empower, Excel Summer School

Summer programming looked a little different this year but provided many of the great courses that families were accustomed to. Two programs within the district (ELP Super Summer and ALP summer school) and two community partners (YSS and United Way of Story County) joined together to create the Enrich, Empower, Excel summer program. Dr. Anthony Jones, Director of Equity and administrator in charge of the summer program said, “The reasons the programs joined together were to ensure all students have equal access to rich learning opportunities and to enhance the academic enrichment provided to all students.”

The summer programming moved away from Ames Middle School this year and instead occupied both Meeker and Sawyer Elementary Schools. Both of these schools are open meal sites, which allowed students in attendance to receive a free meal during the three-week schedule.

Open to any Ames Community School District student, summer school offered a variety of classes intended to keep students engaged through the summer. Teachers submitted course ideas for review with the final offerings including those around literacy, staying active, science, as well as plenty that are centered around technology. Nicole Kuhns, Extended Learning Program Director, said, “We love to have our teachers providing learning in their passion areas and can help fit those passions into some of the offerings.”

In all, about 322 students participated between both buildings in the new Enrich. Empower. Excel. summer program. Thanks to all of the teachers who submitted courses and engaged with students this summer.