8,800+ Learners Enjoy
Summer School Programs

June 26, 2007

More than 8,800 students in grades K-12 enrolled in Plano ISD's "Summer Opportunities for Learning " programs districtwide. Students spent several weeks of their summer engaged and involved in instruction facilitated by many of the district's best and brightest teachers.

According to Student Services Director Mark Allen, elementary enrichment programs increased in enrollment this summer by more than 200 students each above last year's numbers." Following are highlights of a few summer programs.

9th Grade Pilot Targets TAKS Skills

Plano ISD is piloting a program on three high school campuses - Shepton, Vines and Williams - that targets reading and math TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills) test objectives as well as high school readiness. More than 50 upcoming freshmen are enrolled in the Accelerated TAKS Instruction (ATI) class.

"ATI has been a huge success," said Instructor Traci Borsattino (pictured with student Rudy Bougere). "In addition to high school readiness, students have been successful with their reading skills and a computerized math game that they have been using. As they compete for high scores on two computerized missions, students are in the running to win one of three prizes - a video iPod, a Nintendo DS and a Sony PSP."

1,250 Students Attend PEP Enrichment

According to Principal Shauna Koehne at Carpenter Middle School, 1,350 students in grades K-5 are enrolled in the Plano Enrichment Program (PEP). The popular elementary school program provides a number of unique opportunities with a focus primarily on enrichment - "The fun side of learning," she said. (Pictured: Nick Garcia and Brock Taylor prepare to share with their Inventor's Club class tips for improving upon a recent class assignment, the "egg drop.")

"Our teachers look so forward to PEP each summer," said Ms. Koehne. "PEP continues to be a tremendous success each summer, and our students are just brimming with excitement from start to finish."

She continued, "We are fortunate to have many of the district's very best teachers involved in this program. From 'Art Fantasy' to 'Young Authors' and many fun classes in between, PEP truly has something for everyone."

Students who enroll in this popular program attend classes at Carpenter Middle School. For a complete list of the program's enrichment classes, visit the PEP website. (Pictured: Project Inspire Student Hannas Choi of Korea and Teacher Nicole Montenegro put the finishing touches on Hannas' illustrated, self-inspired journal.)

SIGS Gifted Program Expands

The Summer Institute for Gifted Students (SIGS) has been expanded this year to serve students in the west and east sectors of the school district's community.

The long-standing program at Robinson Middle School is serving 1,250 students. And a new program at Murphy Middle School is serving 450 students. Pictured are SIGS Students (l-r) Sam Jackson, Drew Cruz, Simon Yoon and Mark Hartman with Murphy Middle School Principal Ann Aston.

PAL Reinforces Reading and Math Skills

Students in grades K-5 who attend PAL (Plano Academy of Learning) at one of four school sites - Centennial, McCall, Meadows and Wells Elementary Schools - are provided with "an amazing environment that really makes a difference in the lives of children," said Principal Jason Myatt, Centennial Elementary School. "By hiring Plano ISD's finest, dedicated and passionate teachers, academic gaps truly are closing," Mr Myatt said. "Teachers come to PAL from all over the district to give up some of their summer to help those students who need a little more intensive intervention to be successful the following year." (Pictured is PAL Student Juan Aragon honing his writing skills at Centennial Elementary School.)

eSchool Popular Choice for Grades 9-12

Ongoing registration allows students in grades 9-12 to enroll in eSchool, Plano ISD’s popular online program of courses. More than 2,500 students have registered for eSchool courses this school year, and another 200 students are expected to enroll before summer’s end, according to Jean Parmer, eSchool coordinator.

“The 80 master teachers who guide and instruct students online are the strength of eSchool,” said Ms. Parmer, whose office processes 15 to 30 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 8,000 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.

For more information, visit eSchool online.

Summer PASAR

Plano ISD's popular after-school program, PASAR, has enrolled hundreds of students this summer.

Housed on campuses throughout Plano ISD, students are enjoying crafts, games, academic enrichment and outdoor activities. Advantages of the PASAR program are safety, nutritious snacks, supervised academic time, test skills reinforcement, fine arts, and holiday/summer care.

(Pictured is June Davis, Shepard Elementary School kindergarten teacher, instructing a group of Summer PASAR students.)

For a complete program guide, registration forms and more, visit PASAR online.

Related Links

• Summer School Programs
• eSchool
• Program PASAR
• Summer Activities for Children