Teacher Lauren Shifley works with a group of students during the third-grade reading boot camp at Malabar Intermediate School.
A third-grade reading boot camp kicks off a summer of learning activity in Mansfield City Schools.
The camp, which opened on Monday at Malabar Intermediate School, continues to July 12. Approximately 50 students are enrolled from 9 a.m. to noon Monday through Friday.
This is the third year the district has offered the camp to incoming fourth-graders throughout the district who have not passed the reading test mandated by the state’s Third Grade Reading Guarantee. Those students will have an opportunity to take the test again on July 12.
“The big change this year is that the camp is open to students who just finished third grade, even if they have already passed the test,” said Chris Stevens, a Prospect Elementary School teacher who directs the camp.
“It’s more like a summer reading program that allows students to build on their reading and writing skills. About half of the students enrolled already have passed the test.”
Teachers provide instruction one-on-one and in small groups, depending on students’ needs as they rotate through reading groups, writing activities, comprehension, word work and computer instruction.
Teachers working at the camp include Margaret Cohen, Wendy Doup, Ruscel Dudley, Deborah Hager, April Leudy, Tabetha Ramey and Lauren Shifley.
“We have room for more students,” Stevens said. “Any parent who would like their incoming fourth-grader to attend may register them by calling the district’s State and Federal Programs Office at 419-525-6400, ext. 56440.”
Here are other summer learning opportunities. For more information about each, call the State and Federal Programs Office.
-- Woodland Elementary School had begun its “Dive into Summer Reading” program in the school’s computer lab. Children leaving kindergarten through third grade are invited to participate from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays and 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Students may check out books and use the computer lab, including myON Reader.
-- Kindergarten skill development with a teacher. Based on a student’s screening results a teacher will work with the child and parent during summer home visits.
-- Summer math camp for children in kindergarten through fifth grade is planned from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 11-15 at Springmill Learning Center, 1200 Nestor Drive. Registration has closed and no more students can be accepted. Participants will be immersed in a variety of activities that will enhance mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills. The camp will be hosted by Mansfield City Schools math teacher leaders and OSU-Mansfield. Lunch, a snack and transportation for children within the district will be provided.
-- Ready, Set, Read Camp will open July 18 at Prospect and Sherman elementary schools. Students will attend from 9 to 11:45 a.m. each weekday except Friday through Aug. 4. Transportation and snacks will be provided. Prizes will be awarded to those with perfect attendance for all 12 days. The camp’s goal is to help children on their journey to becoming lifelong readers and writers.
-- Kindergarten Readiness Boot Camp Aug. 1-5 at Springmill Learning Center. Sessions from 9 a.m. to noon each day will help young children prepare for a good start in kindergarten. Learning stations will center on reading, math, writing, word work, phonics and gross motor and fine motor development.