For the first time in two years, the Arcadia Educational Foundation (AEF) Summer School Program for 2022 will be held in person for all grade levels. As summer approaches and temperatures rise, questions also arise: “What will summer school be like this year?” “How is it similar and different from previous years?” “And future years?” “Where and how to register?” “What are the key dates to remember? Here’s what you need to know.
For 28 years, AEF’s annual summer program has offered enrichment classes for elementary and middle school students and classes that provide proficiency, advancement, and enrichment opportunities for high school students. . Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the program had to be conducted virtually during the summers of 2020 and 2021. This year, AEF’s summer programming for elementary, middle and high school students will take place in person at Baldwin Stocker Elementary School, Dana Middle School, and Arcadia High School, respectively. Additionally, high school participants will have virtual options for Chemistry A/B and Geometry A/B (limited enrollment), as well as the College Essay Workshop course.
Regarding the health guidelines, “the safety and well-being of our students, teachers, staff, faculty and community has always been a priority,” said Laurie Rambeau, director of the summer school of the AEF. “The program has been adapted in accordance with the health guidelines and regulations that Arcadia Unified [School District] follows.
Each summer school site and the respective AEF office will have their own full-time healthcare staff on site this year. Wearing a mask is recommended but optional.
“We will be very, very careful about any type of situation that may arise,” said Sandi Burch, principal of AEF Elementary School, who also stressed that open communication with parents is essential.
Since middle school students are not subject to graduation requirements, Summer School for Middle School is designed for students to explore their interests, enhance their understanding of foundational skills, and prepare for high school. .
AEF middle school director Kristin Mora said teachers had lots of ideas to help understand what students are interested in. [this year’s program].”
At the elementary school level, there are “a wide variety of courses children can choose from,” according to Burch, ranging from cooking, sports and the arts to science classes involving ecology, engineering and robotics, as well as regular courses. for students to gain insight into the material being taught in upcoming classes.
“We have a really good, solid and challenging program this summer, and I think students and parents will really appreciate the choices,” Burch remarked.
More detailed information about courses, planning, payments, important dates and more can be found in the elementary, middle schooland high school catalogs.
For the years to come, “it is expected that [summer school] will stay in person,” said Keith Kerney, director of the AEF High School Summer School.
“If something were to happen and we needed to go virtual again, we are equipped to do it,” reassured Burch.
Kerney thinks that, at least at the secondary level, there will likely be more online course offerings in the future and feels that the move online from previous years and the challenges that come with it could serve to adapt the curriculum for better meet diverse needs. needs and preferences of students and parents.
For example, Rambeau noted that surveys have shown that several parents have found it helpful not to have to drop their children off at school sites in the morning.
In contrast, Mora shared that more middle school students are choosing to enroll in electives with an in-person format.
Current AHS junior Nikka Jafari said her experience with AEF’s online summer school was overall good, but for her “it’s easier to learn in person.”
“Having kids in the classroom will definitely be better for the learning process,” said Mike Pasqua, professor of government economics at AEF Summer School.
“We try to do something new or different every year,” Rambeau said.
For example, the old AEF Summer School paper-based registration method required that “persons [to] make a huge line around the block [or] send the recording to someone in Orange County. In 2018, the registration process moved to an online format. The AEF Summer School program continues to adapt to the schedules and needs of students, parents and families.
All levels can register for the AEF Summer School program until May 23, 2022 until aef.campbrainregistration.com. There are also a few paid positions available at the basic and mid-levels, including AEF LVN Health Specialist, AEF Office, Administrative Assistant, AEF Office Assistant, and AEF Summer Support Staff. Applications are due by May 19, 2022 and can be submitted here.
For questions, call the AEF Summer School office at (626) 821-6606 Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., email aefsummer@arcadiaedfoundation.org or visit AEF Summer School Page. Office visits for registration assistance are available by appointment only.