Keeping the Kids in School

Summer may be here, but that doesn’t mean Florissant students have to stop hitting the books.

The Hazelwood and Ferguson-Florissant School districts offer a variety of programs to keep students involved throughout the summer. Sports, music and academics are all covered, so no matter what students' interests, they can find more to do this summer than just lounge by the pool.

“We offer summer school for elementary, middle school and high school students,” said Marquinez Savala, a communications specialist with the . “These classes are focused on student enrichment for those looking to catch up on credit this summer.”

High school classes, which started on June 9, will be held at all three district high schools. These include Hazelwood Central, Hazelwood East and Hazelwood West. Parents looking to still enroll their children in classes can call their respective high schools to inquire about late registration.

Though it's too late to register for elementary and middle school summer school programs, the district also offers three other academic programs, including Academic Adventures, Sunny Start and QUEST.

Academic Adventures is for grades 1-5 and offers an advanced look at language, mathematics, communication skills, science and social studies. Students will also be exposed to a variety of reading materials as well as face an introduction to children’s literature.

“Sunny Start and QUEST are both preparatory sessions for incoming kindergartners and sixth-graders, respectively,” Savala said. “While Sunny Start prepares students for their first fall in the classroom, QUEST lets students new to middle school meet their teachers, make new friends and practice team-building exercises prior to the school year.”

Sunny Start and Academic Adventures started June 13 and runs through July 12. QUEST features two sessions, one June 13-Friday and another Monday-July 12. Nine Elementary schools in the district offer Sunny Start and Academic Adventures, while every middle school will feature a QUEST program.

The district also offers a band camp at Barrington Elementary School that started June 13 and runs until Wednesday. All three high schools offer a variety of athletic summer camps to get students in shape for their favorite prep sports.

The will also be offering traditional summer classes for elementary through high school. Due to budget cuts, however, there will not be additional programs besides the basics, said Shantana Stewart, communications specialist for the district.

That is not to say the district has no other ways to promote student academics over the summer. Reading lists are offered for every grade so that students may enhance their skills at home and get a leg up on other students entering the new school year.

Students 18 and younger who live within school boundaries are also welcome to return to school for free meals during the summer.

The program, which costs around $37,000, has been a summer staple since 2007. Between May 31 and July 1, breakfast and lunch is served at Airport, and Walnut Grove Elementary Schools. started to offer meals on June 6, and will continue through July 1.

“We’re happy we can provide children with two healthy meals each day,” Jim Tyson, director of food services, said in a press release. “We realize that in some cases, children go hungry during the summer when school is not in session. Our doors are open to make sure that doesn’t happen.”