GALLERY: Cool School Summer Program is Underway

From a release by David Willauer, who helps out with the program. Willauer also has a blog on Patch called There's a Dad in the Kitchen!

Cool School, a summer enrichment program operated by the Spring-Ford Area School District, is in full swing. The program, which runs for a total of three weeks, offers week-long, high interest classes taught by certified school district staff. Jean Lare, a second grade teacher at Upper Providence Elementary School, is the director of the program.

“Cool School is one of the many gems of the school district,” said Lare. “Kids love it and so do their parents.”

The popular summer program was started 13 years ago by the parent organization at Royersford Elementary School. Due to the growth of the program and the retirement of Royersford principal, Dave Willauer, last year Cool School was moved to the Upper Providence school. Willauer continues to be active with Cool School.

“Under Jean Lare’s leadership, the program has grown beyond my wildest dreams,” said Willauer. “I cannot tell you how gratifying it is to see smile after smile on the faces of the children who take part. They have a blast every day!”

District teachers also appreciate the program. According to Lare, it gives them an opportunity to teach those topics for which they have a passion, and for which there is limited time in the school day. “The children are excited, the teachers are enthusiastic. What could be better?” Lare said.

Two weeks remain in the program, (July 11-15 & July 18-22), and two classes, which run Monday through Friday, may be selected each week, (8:30-10:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.). More than 40 classes still have openings. Topics range from jewelry making to pottery, painting and blanket making. Sports-related classes include dodge ball, flag football and “Favorite Phys. Ed. Games.” Also included are “DS Dominance,” “Amazing Animals,” “Kitchen Creations,” and “Super Science.”

Cool School also offers classes for skills reinforcement in the areas of reading and mathematics. Reinforcement classes are by invitation only. Contact your child’s principal or guidance counselor if you are interested.

“Now is the time to register for Cool School if you’re interested,” said Lare. “Many classes are still in need of enrollment and courses with low numbers will be cut after July 4.”

Online registration is still open. For a complete listing of course offerings and descriptions, and to register, go to the school district’s website at www.spring-ford.net. Click on the Cool School link in the "Notifications" box. Cost per class is $65 and many carry an additional $5 course materials fee.

For more information, visit the Spring-Ford School District website, or email CoolSchool@spring-ford.net.