GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – For six weeks this summer, Grand Rapids Public Schools' Ignite Summer Learning program immersed scholars in a habitat-themed curriculum, bringing learning to life through engaging, hands-on experiences that helped them soar to new heights.
The program, hosted at four schools, is designed to prevent the summer learning slide.
“We have highly effective teachers that are really good at lesson planning and building a sense of community within their classrooms,” explained Jackie Westover, Ignite Summer Learning Principal at Coit Creative Arts Academy. “Scholars can feel stronger and they don't feel that slide.”
Throughout the summer, many partner organizations helped create hands-on opportunities for our scholars, including Critter Barn, The Diatribe, Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids Public Museum, GR Outside, John Ball Zoo, Kids' Food Basket, and the West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology (WMCAT).
“Scholars are participating in so many extracurricular experiences that they don't experience during the normal school year,” Westover said.
Scholars said the program made a difference.
“I’m learning new things,” explained Keyshaun, a rising 7th grader at Gerald R. Ford Academic Center.
“I’m getting better,” added Eyerusalem, a rising 8th grader at Innovation Central Middle School. “Summer school is fun!”
