Sign Up for Racine Unified Summer School

Racine parents are fortunate to have a full summer school program for children. I have been amazed since moving to the district just how solid the summer school programming is and that all students can participate.  Summer school often is on the chopping block, but Racine Unified continues to offer quality programs for students who either need reteaching or simply want to participate in something a little different. 

The North Star Summer Academy is a well-packaged program that gets right to the skill sets needed for success during the regular school year. Class sizes are smaller than during the year so that the necessary interventions can be given.  While most students wish for air conditioning, there tends to be a more relaxed feel to summer school.  The stress and tension that builds during the school year seems removed for students and for staff. 

The enrichment programs are a steal. For a small fee, students have a wide selection of classes ranging from physical fitness to science to music. These classes are a terrific way for students to stay engaged during the summer. My two oldest sons will be taking part in these classes as they have for the past few years.  Most sites offer additional programming in the afternoon, as well.  My sons loved Lighted Schoolhouse, an afternoon option, the past couple of years.

This column may sound like an advertisement, but the truth is that we are fortunate to have these types of programs for our students.  As a former Milwaukee teacher and resident, I watched summer school get cut down to almost nothing. Other communities have reduced or eliminated summer school programs, as well. 

Summer school is an asset to this community and a good value to the taxpayer, either because the program supports their child or it is a productive place for our children to go as opposed to other, less desirable, options.

As someone who has been a summer school teacher, is a summer school administrator, and a father of two summer school students, I highly recommend the programs to all of our students.  Most elementary schools have programs, as do the middle schools and Park High School.  Thank you to our taxpayers for supporting a quality program and to our school district for ensuring its continued availability to our community.