By Kate Lohnes
Come June, plenty of kids in Upper Arlington will trade in their pencils and textbooks for rest, relaxation and summer fun.
But just because they’re not getting a grade doesn’t mean they’ve put learning on hold.
Even as they enjoy their vacations, many UA students will sign up for and attend educational programs and classes, bridging the learning gap between June and August.
At the Upper Arlington Public Library, summer programming gets more popular every year, says Kate Hastings, youth services department manager. The library offers a summer reading program for several age groups in addition to unique events.
According to Hastings, the reading program is one of the library’s most robust offerings. Kids keep track of the amount they read with the potential to win prizes. Last summer, approximately 4,000 kids, from toddlers to high school students, signed up for the reading program, an increase from the previous year.
“We don’t typically see huge increases, but we did see an increase (last summer),” Hastings says.
In addition to the reading program, the library offers other seasonal programs because of their popularity. One of these is a buddy program for young and teenage readers. In the program, a first through third grade student partners with one in sixth through 12th grade. The pair spends time on reading exercises and 40 minutes reading to each other.
“The older teen is coaching and there for support,” Hastings says. “It’s a fun opportunity for older kids to mentor and encourage younger kids in reading because the kids look up to teens so much. It’s a meaningful experience.”
Other programs for kids include writing clubs, workshops and cultural experiences. Several new programs this year will be themed around Egypt, as the library has partnered with the Columbus Museum of Art and COSI, which are both hosting ancient Egyptian exhibitions through the summer.
Hastings says the multiple benefits resulting from the library’s programming make attending worthwhile.
“Where else can you find free enrichment that inspires kids to think outside of school and pursue their own interests?” she says. “Also, a lot of these programs are not for formal education and learning, but to get people in the library checking out books. If kids don’t practice reading during the summer, they lose it and have to start over. We want to help them maintain those skills.”
The Upper Arlington School District also offers a variety of classes – remedial, for credit and for enrichment – during its annual Summer Academy. Kids in elementary, middle and high school benefit from the course offerings, says Kelly Scott, director of the academy. Some of the courses, which last approximately four weeks, are held at Tremont Elementary, while others are held at UA High School.
One of academy’s most in-demand courses is physical education for high school students. The course is presented in a different format than during the school year with activities ranging from swimming to yoga to Frisbee football. The average enrollment is around 200 students.
Taking summer courses such as physical education gives students time during the school year for other activities and courses, including art and music. It also helps freshman or new students get to know their peers, Scott says.
“It’s an opportunity to have fun, and with the small groups, it’s an opportunity for those who are new to the district to ease into high school,” she says.
Summer Academy offers students other classes for credits, including public speaking and health education. Class sizes typically range from 20 to 35 students. Students may also take enrichment classes that don’t count for a grade or credit. These classes include “Study/Organizational Skills” or an enhanced reading course for students in Advanced Placement or International Baccalaureate classes.
Enrichment classes for elementary and middle school include literature with more reading material, a course that explores real-world applications of math and a keyboarding class to teach good computer habits at an early age.
Scott says many of the classes at Summer Academy repeat every year because of demand or need. Some classes, such as the enhanced reading course, have been added to the curriculum list because parents have requested them, while the “Study/Organizational Skills” class has seen an increase in both the middle and high school students. As the need arises, Scott says she foresees adding additional course options.
“We are always looking for ideas and suggestions (for new classes),” she says.
Kate Lohnes is assistant editor of Upper Arlington Magazine.
For more information about the Upper Arlington Library’s summer programming, visit www.ualibrary.org. To learn more about the Upper Arlington School’s Summer Academy, visit www.uaschools.org and click on the “Summer Academy” link.