Nearly
8,000 Students Enrolled
in Summer & eSchool Courses
June 13, 2005
7,200 Students Participate in Summer Programs
Do you have spirit?…Well, the 50 kindergarten through second
grade students enrolled in our summer school “cheerleading” class
do! The new class is “a big hit,” according to Principal
Len Stevens, who oversees the “Plano Enrichment Program” (PEP)
housed at Skaggs Elementary School. PEP is among the most popular
offerings in Plano ISD’s “Summer Opportunities for Learning,” because
of its many creative and fun classes for young children.
 More than 7,200 students are enrolled in summer programs located
in 20 schools across the district, according to Director of Student
Services Mark Allen. “The quality of instruction is what makes
our summer school program successful,” said Mr. Allen, whose
office reports that 4,223 elementary students and 3,034 secondary
students are currently registered in PISD’s summer school programs. “What
kids are able to get out of the program – creativity and challenge
- keeps them coming back, year after year.”
Mr. Allen explained that district administrators, summer school principals
and teachers begin planning each year “three weeks after summer
school ends” to improve upon existing courses and brainstorm
ideas for the following year’s summer classes.
Approximately half of the students enrolled in summer programs are
interested in enriching their regular education, noted Mr. Allen,
while other students may wish to accelerate their regular education
or reinforce skills learned during the regular school year. “All
classes are stimulating and encouraging,” he said.
Mike Landingham, principal of the high school summer program, housed
at Plano West Senior High, said that, “Our students have a great
attitude and a strong desire to get ahead.” He said that, he
and his staff reinforce to students on “Day One” that
attendance in summer classes is critical, especially since one day
in summer school equals about five days spent in a classroom during
the regular school year.
 He
noted that Government and Economics are among the most
popular high school courses, explaining that, at Plano
West, students are
enrolled in social studies, science, health/p.e. and
business. At the Plano East Senior High location, students
are enrolled in English,
math, foreign language and speech.
Middle school courses are underway this summer for students in grades
six through eight who have not mastered the essential elements of
the required courses of English, math, social studies or science.
The program is streamlined to concentrate on academic mastery. Health
is also offered for students who meet specific criteria.
Elementary programs that are most popular include PEP (as previously
mentioned) and SIGS (Summer Institute for Gifted Students). The PAL
(Plano Academy of Learning) program successfully provides “early
intervention to help students get skills shored up and ‘as close
to grade level’ as possible for the upcoming school year,” noted
Mr. Allen.
So, whether your student is interested in cooking, rocket science,
physics, puppetry or mastering the English language in one of our
ESL (English as a Second Language) summer classes, Plano ISD has a
summer opportunity for him or her.
If your child is interested in attending one of our many elementary
or secondary enrichment classes next summer, you may
wish to plan in advance by reviewing current program
offerings on our Summer
School website.
eSchool Classes Popular Choice for Students
 Ongoing registration allows students in grades 9-12 to enroll in
eSchool, Plano ISD’s popular online program of courses. More
than 1,150 students have registered for eSchool courses this school
year, and another 500 students are expected to enroll before summer’s
end, according to Jean Parmer, eSchool coordinator.
“The 74 master teachers who guide and instruct students online
are the strength of eSchool,” said Ms. Parmer, whose office
processes 15 to 20 online eSchool registrations per day. Most students
enroll in economics, government and physics, which are among 28 courses
offered for graduation credit.
During summer months, enrollment peaks as students take advantage
of offerings in the core subjects of English, social studies, math,
and science as well as electives. Four non-credit courses are available,
and several additional courses are in development or under revision.
Since its inception in February, 2001, Plano ISD’s eSchool
has enabled more than 3,500 students to take high school courses online,
on their own time, wherever access is available to the Internet and
a computer. Students enrolled in eSchool have achieved an overall
passing rate of 98 percent.
Comments from students are encouraging, reports Ms. Parmer. The recipient
of much positive student feedback is Jackie Daniel, economics and
government teacher. “I bet you’re awesome in the classroom,” wrote
one student. “Thank you for working with me and for this opportunity!” Another
said, “Hoorah! I’m done. I’m going to walk across
the stage at graduation. I wouldn’t have made it without you.”
For more information, visit eSchool online.
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