Everyone benefits from summer learning
Learning is a year-round activity at Huber Heights City Schools. This summer the district offered learning opportunities for practically every student, teacher, and staff member from our Power Scholars Academy for grades K-3 to professional development sessions for teachers and staff.
The Power Scholars Academy is part of the district’s partnership with the YMCA of Greater Dayton. About 100 students in grades K-3 participated in daily activities consisting of 90 minutes of literacy and 90 minutes of mathematics each morning. After lunch and recess, students engaged in enrichment activities including performing arts, computer coding, and fitness.
Weekly field trips are part of the agenda with visits to places like Carillion Park, Columbus Zoo, and COSI. The Power Scholars Academy is funded through Y-USA, YMCA of Greater Dayton, Learn to Earn, and HHCS.
HHCS students had the chance to explore potential careers by participating in the MVCTC Summer Career Camp. Held from June 4-8, nearly 50 students entering eighth through 10th grades received hands-on experience in potential career fields. Possible career exploration areas included Arts & Communication, Agriculture/Natural Resources, Business & Information Technology, and Building & Construction. HHCS also offered transportation this year, allowing more students to participate in the camp.
Wayne High School offered a Summer Scholars program to help students get academically ahead of the curve. About 100 students, including 10 from nearby high schools, took courses in subjects including financial literacy, health, and physical education. Completing a course gives students more flexibility to create the schedule they want during the regular school year. Students enrolled in Credit Recovery courses have the potential to recover credits to get them back on track for earning a diploma.
In addition to students earning high school credits, students had the opportunity to earn college credits as well. HHCS had 36 students entering ninth through 12th grades registered for summer College Credit Plus classes through Sinclair Community College. Their selections vary across several subject areas including art, English, history, philosophy, and political science. Most students are taking one course, but a few are taking as many as four classes this summer. These classes are offered at no cost to students.
Students weren’t the only ones broadening their knowledge during the summer. HHCS teachers and staff were engaged in lots of summer professional learning opportunities in preparation for the upcoming school year. About 290 teachers and staff members attended sessions about topics such as understanding the K-12th grade revised state standards, meeting the needs of gifted learners, and college and career readiness. This upcoming school year, HHCS teachers are focused on meeting the needs of all students and implementing researchbased strategies and practices that will close the achievement gap.
The youngest students to our most experienced staff at HHCS all learned something new this summer. By taking a continuous approach to learning, the district is fulfilling its mission of empowering students to be academically and socially prepared for their futures through the support of excellent teachers.