More kids likely to need summer school

Published 12:00 am Thursday, March 21, 2002

Summertime is supposed to mean &uot;no more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks&uot; if you’re a kid, but there may be reasons for some students to set that rhyme aside this summer in Albert Lea.

Thursday, March 21, 2002

Summertime is supposed to mean &uot;no more pencils, no more books, no more teachers’ dirty looks&uot; if you’re a kid, but there may be reasons for some students to set that rhyme aside this summer in Albert Lea.

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This summer, for the first time, the Albert Lea School District will be offering summer study options for students in every grade, according to Judy Knudtson, district curriculum director. Some of the classes will be the traditional make-up classes for those who didn’t pass during the regular school year. But this year there will also be &uot;enrichment classes&uot; designed for students who just want to spend a little extra time on a wide range of possible subjects, like language study, drama, photography, or computers.

Some of the changes are the result of the budget cuts put in place last year. This summer’s academic classes will be the only opportunity for students in grades 7-12 who failed required courses during the 2001-2002 school year to take a makeup course. Class sizes due to reductions in the number of core courses mean that there won’t be any room for students needing to retake those courses next fall or spring, said Knudtson.

Other changes are the result of a grant which will focus on online learning opportunities. For this summer the class will only be available for students entering 11th or 12 grade. The online class will also involve the Owatonna and Faribault school districts. Enrollment will be limited, and students will need to apply to participate.

More traditional enrichment class opportunities will also be available for K-8 students, with Basic Skills Test prep sessions available for students in grades 9-12.

Academic classes will be available for graduation credit, and limited bus transportation will be available for those who need it.

Families soon will get more information about summer programs, when brochures come home from school. Topics for the enrichment classes will be chosen from the preferences indicated on the enrollment forms, and some decisions may be made based on the number of students who show up on the first day of the class, said Knudtson.

There are no official deadlines for enrollment, but early registration is recommended, district officials said.

Classes and other activities will be provided by the Albert Lea Area Learning Center and Community Education. Additional funding is being provided by a FAN online learning grant from the department of Children, Families and Learning and an Open Arms/21st Century grant from the federal government.