GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (GRPS) – More than 2,000 scholars spent the summer expanding their minds during Ignite Summer Learning at Grand Rapids Public Schools.
The six-week program focused on giving scholars a chance to go beyond the classroom to learn through field trips, hands-on projects, and workshops with local organizations.
Fourth-grade scholars had the opportunity to visit the Kids' Food Basket farm in northeast Grand Rapids.
"I learned how to plant some seeds," Nuriya, a fourth-grade scholar, said about her trip to Kids' Food Basket.
Students were able to pick fruits and vegetables straight from the plant. For Nuriya, it was her first-time picking raspberries.
"Those are good," Nuriya said. "I was going to save some for my sister, but they're too good, so I just ate them all."
"We hear oftentimes a lot of firsts," explained Stephanie McNitt, manager of education at Kids' Food Basket. "Sometimes we hear hesitancy about trying new things like hummus or refried beans dip. But once kids get going, they're like 'Whoa, I can't believe I liked this. I never knew I'd like this.'"
Scholars also spend time in the classroom preparing for the upcoming school year.
"We really focus on reading and math, and we're trying to get them ready for their next grade level," said Bradley Moore, principal of the Ignite Summer Learning Program at Kent Hills Elementary. "The learning loss that they avoid is a huge component."
"Summer school can have a negative component based on what we've seen in movies and media," Moore said. "For a lot of our kids school is their safe place. It's their happy place. And there is no negative connotation to school."
Second-grader Messiah attended Ignite Summer Learning at Kent Hills Elementary.
"I am enjoying math," Messiah said. "And I'm enjoying recess because I'm playing with my friends."
Ignite Summer Learning is open to all scholars. Programs are hosted at six schools across the district. You can learn more about the program here.
