MATH IN THE SUMMER — The Indian Creek Local School District is hosting a six-week summer program to help students remain on track with learning. Approximately 100 children in kindergarten through eighth grade registered for the event, which focuses on reading and math skills. The program takes place at Cross Creek Elementary School through July 24 and offers a credit recovery class for those in grades 9 through 12. There is a STEM program for elementary and middle-school students taking place at Indian Creek High School as well. Those kindergarteners taking part from Hills Elementary School include, clockwise, from left, Benjamin Bellum, Rilynn McCartney, Payton Smith, R’Laizjah Moore and T.J. Clegg. The group was working on math problems during a recent session at Cross Creek. -- Contributed

WINTERSVILLE — The Indian Creek Local School District is helping students to stay on track with their reading and math skills by offering a six-week summer program at Cross Creek Elementary School.

Approximately 100 students in grades kindergarten through eighth grade who attend Cross Creek, Hills Elementary and Indian Creek Middle schools, registered for the program that runs through July 24.

The sessions take place from 9 a.m. to noon on Tuesdays through Thursdays, with free breakfast and lunch provided. Transportation also is provided, officials noted.

Michele Minto, district director of curriculum and instruction, stated the purpose of the program is to make sure children do not begin to lose their academic skills and knowledge during their break from school.”

Minto said this provides students with opportunities for enrichment and to continue practicing those skills so they remain on course when they return to class.

“They have reading to continue with the school year so they don’t have the learning gap when they come back, plus they also do a math review,” Minto said. “We have 100 students on the roster, but average 75 to 80 per day because they may not attend every day. We offer it to everyone and try to encourage kids that are at risk of having the summer slide.”

A total of 12 teachers are involved. Students in grades kindergarten through fourth are self-contained in classrooms with two teachers per grade. Middle schoolers are broken up into two separate classrooms, with grades 5-6 in one and 7-8 in the other.

Minto said many students are returning participants, as the program has made a positive impact on children once they return to school.

“They are here even as middle schoolers,” Minto commented. “It at least allows kids to start where they left off because they continued to practice to read or do math facts. We have seen students stay at the grade level or advance a little.”

She said plans are in the works to mark the final day of the summer program with a celebration at Cross Creek.

Meanwhile, Indian Creek High School has been providing opportunities for 25 students who are in grades 9 through 12. These high schoolers attend credit recovery classes to support continued academic progress and graduation readiness.

Science teacher Barb Turner is offering a STEM camp for elementary and middle-school students for creative, hands-on learning.