2012 Elementary Summer Program (K-5)

		Summer School Elementary (K-5) Middle School (6-8) High School (9-12)

Plano Summer Opportunities for Learning offers a variety of elementary programs. Each program is unique, and parents may wish to talk with their child's teacher or principal concerning the programs best suited for summer study. All program applications are distributed through the elementary schools. Program dates and times are listed within each program description. Transportation is provided for each program. Bus schedules will be available the last week of the 2011-12 school year and will be sent home with the students.

• Plano Enrichment Program (PEP)
• Summer Institute for Gifted and Talented Students (SIGS)
• Plano Academy of Learning (PAL)
• Special Education
• Bilingual/ESOL
• Summer Music Camp

Plano Enrichment Program (PEP)

The Plano Enrichment Program (PEP) offers more than 30 varied enrichment classes in addition to reinforcement classes for language arts and mathematics. Students are free to enroll in content courses of their choice (see course offerings below). The program is located at Carpenter Middle School, 1501 Cross Bend, and Christie Elementary, 3801 Rainier Drive; and at Schimelpfenig Middle School, 2400 Maumelle, and Carlisle Elementary, 6525 Old Orchard Drive.  The dates are June 6 through July 3 (no classes on Fridays) from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. Tuition is $150 for one two-hour class and $300 for two classes. Tuition may be paid with cash, money order, cashier's check, Master Card, Visa, Discover, or American Express card. No personal checks will be accepted.

The Student Registration Form will be sent home with the student in March and will also be available in each elementary school. Students are encouraged to register immediately to assure their choice of classes. The deadline for registration is May 4. Out of district students may enroll in PEP.

Transportation is provided from the student's home campus. Bus schedules will be sent home with students the last week of the 2011-12 school year. 

This class is designed to promote the literacy development of children who have completed kindergarten and who are entering first grade in the fall.  Instructional strategies will include shared, guided, and independent reading and other literacy-oriented activities, such as music and art.  The development of reading strategies will be emphasized.  Activities will involve children in all language modes:  listening, speaking, reading, and writing.  Basic math activities will also be incorporated with some literature selections.  The children will experience a first grade setting.  The emphasis is on providing experiences that are developmentally appropriate focusing on listening skills, following directions, and time on task.

Ready?  Okay!  Come be a part of the Pep Belles Cheer and Dance Team.  This high energy class combines cheerleading, dance, and sports conditioning all into one course.  Students will learn chants, cheers and choreographed dance steps while building self confidence and positive sportsmanship through team building activities.  Students will perform a choreographed cheer and dance routine at the end of the course.  No experience necessary.  All skill levels are welcome.

Do you love to cook? If so, then Book Cooks is the class for you. This class involves hands-on cooking experience while enjoying some of children's favorite literature. For students who have completed first or second grade.

This course is designed for students who could benefit from building basic mathematical understanding.  Opportunities will be provided for students to develop the self esteem needed to enter the next grade level feeling confident about mathematics.  Emphasis will be placed on preparing struggling students for grade level content using the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.  Students are divided by grade level.

This course is designed for students who could benefit from building basic literacy skills.  Opportunities will be provided for students to develop the self esteem needed to enter the next grade level feeling confident about reading.  Emphasis will be placed on preparing struggling students for grade level content using the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.  Students are divided by grade level.

This course is designed for students who could benefit from building basic writing skills.  Opportunities will be provided for students to develop the self esteem needed to enter the next grade level feeling confident about writing.  Emphasis will be placed on preparing struggling students for grade level content using the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills.  Students are divided by grade level.

Come live in an art fantasy world!  In Art Fantasy we will discover the art of elements, principles, and much more.  We will learn about the color wheel, line, texture, and form. We will also explore artwork of famous artists such as Picasso, Haring, Monet, Matisse, O'Keeffe, and van Gogh. We will learn how to draw people, make animals, and discover nature through plants and flowers. We will be doing many fun filled activities using crayons, paint, oil pastels, yarn, tissue paper, clay, and paper mache. This class is offered to students who have completed kindergarten.

Does your child need additional instruction or practice with handwriting skills? The emphasis of this class will be in correct letter formation and strokes.  We will also reinforce basic math skills and explore the computer program "Kid Pix." Would you like to build a strong handwriting and math foundation for first grade? If so, join us in this fun adventure! This class is for students leaving kindergarten and entering first grade.

This enrichment writing class is designed as an extension for students who are experienced writers and enjoy writing. Your child will create and illustrate books using themes from well-known authors. Art techniques will also be taught to the young authors.  What a wonderful class to show off their great writing and illustrating skills. For students entering first or second grade.

Primary students will investigate plants, animals, and space. Many hands-on and outside activities will make science come alive for those junior scientists. For students who have completed kindergarten or first grade.

A new and exciting experience for kindergarten, first, and second graders will be offered this summer.  Singing, playing, dancing, and performing will give boys and girls opportunities to entertain classmates and outside groups. Let your child come join the show! Don't wait! Don't be late! Class size is limited.  Watch us shine!

Roarr!  Do you love animals and love to learn?  Come step into a world of adventure while you learn about animals from the past and present.  Dive deep while we learn about different animals that roam around us.  Get hands on with exciting craft projects that will help you learn even more about these amazing creatures.  Fly high with excitement when you get the chance to create a 3-d animal habitat of your own! 

Are you interested in learning Sign Language? This class will teach vocabulary, fingerspelling, and the basic skills that are needed to be able to communicate to deaf and hard of hearing people. Students will also be introduced to deaf culture and deaf history while learning this beautiful language.

Take an imaginary vacation around the world. Learn about countries, cultures, crafts and artists through drawing, painting and sculpture.

Come one, come all to PEP's Off-Broadway performance "Enrichment Composition and Fun" where the actors and audience are both creative and personable.  Students will participate in reading and writing original stories, poems, readers' theater, and fables which provide your child with wonderful opportunities for self-expression.  They will define the world around them, conceptualize it, and capture its essence through their own, unique perspective.  Students in this class will also have fun exploring different types of readers' theater, puppets, and arts and crafts which will highlight their writing.  They will also exercise the creative side of the brain with puzzles that will prove to be both challenging and fun!

The Introduction to Acting class gives students the opportunity to discover and explore their creative ability and develop a strong sense of confidence through stage acting.  Students will learn basic stage presence, expression, and interpretation of characters' emotions.  Fairy tales, nursery rhymes, and improvisations will be performed during class time.  They will work with props, scenery, costumes, and music.  Students will demonstrate what they have learned by performing a play at the conclusion of PEP summer school.

Come and join in the fun and excitement of invention! Students will learn how famous inventions were created and all about the inventors who created them. The students joining the Inventor's Club will have the opportunity to invent a vegetable derby car and to apply "reverse engineering" by which students take apart broken appliances to discover how they work. This hands-on course stimulates thinking and creativity through inventive activities such as building structures and completing various designing activities. Students will also "meet" artists such as da Vinci, Seurat, Calder, and Picasso who were known for their inventiveness as well as for their artistry.  Students are divided by grade level.

All levels of tennis ability are encouraged to join in the fun.  Grab a racket and we'll get swinging!  Students are divided by grade level.

This class is for students who are "masters" at mathematics and are ready to move beyond what is usually taught in grade level curriculum. Get ready to investigate topics in algebra, geometry, money matters, consumerism, measurement, and probability.  Do you already have a favorite topic of your own that you would like to pursue? We'll be using a hands-on approach as we investigate and discover new things about some of the most mesmerizing mathematical matters. The two hour time will be divided as follows:

• Master Mind-Boggler - brainteaser, game, or problem solving to exercise the brain and develop creative thinking.
• Master Explorations -higher level investigations/activities in the unit of study.
• Master Mystery - mini mysteries with seemingly impossible solutions.

Students are divided by grade level.

How do you say "I'm glad to meet you" in Spanish?  Listening and speaking will establish for students an introduction to oral proficiency. Students will learn to use basic vocabulary, phrases and questions pertinent to everyday life with the emphasis on oral skills needed to communicate. Students will also be introduced to the Hispanic world and will explore its richness while learning to appreciate its value and diversity.

CRAFTS!  CRAFTS!  CRAFTS!  Students will use their creative ideas and different forms of media to create wonderful art projects.  Most of the art projects are made from things they have at home.  We will learn how to paper mache, weave, make necklaces and bracelets using newspaper, paper clips and straws and many more fun craft activities.  They can create crafts for friends, family and just plain fun!

An introductory study of environment, plants, and animals in our everyday lives. Visits from Jim Dunlap and his friends will aid in learning. Lots of hands-on activities including outdoor nature studies and games.  For students who have completed 2nd or 3rd grades (no exceptions will be made).

Have you ever wanted to solve a real mystery? Try your skills in solving mysteries. Be a detective and allow your imagination to seek out clues. This course will put your inductive reasoning to work by offering a multi-curriculum approach to problem solving. We will investigate how to dust for fingerprints, create your own mysteries, and discover "who dunnit."

Games and activities with a strong emphasis on basic skills and movements will be offered in this course. Basic skills and strategies will be practiced daily, leading up to activities such as football, basketball, softball, soccer, hockey, and many more. If you have a positive attitude and can model good sportsmanship, this course is for you. Come join the fun!

Working in three dimensions (height, width, depth) means creating sculptures, clay pieces, and weavings. An interesting variety of media will be enjoyed while incorporating each child's unique imagination.

Do you love to doodle?  Does four weeks of drawing, painting, and printmaking and more sound like the ideal summer?  In 2D Art you will work with Sharpie® markers, watercolor, charcoal, oil pastels, and tempera paint as you explore design concepts and techniques.  Student describe this class as "an awesome class packed with cool projects!"  For students who have completed grades 3-5.

This class is for students who are "masters" at mathematics and are ready to move beyond what is usually taught in grade level curriculum. Get ready to investigate topics in algebra, geometry, money matters, consumerism, measurement, and probability.  Do you already have a favorite topic of your own that you would like to pursue? We'll be using a hands-on approach as we investigate and discover new things about some of the most mesmerizing mathematical matters. The two hour time will be divided as follows:

• Master Mind-Boggler - brainteaser, game, or problem solving to exercise the brain and develop creative thinking.
• Master Explorations -higher level investigations/activities in the unit of study.
• Master Mystery - mini mysteries with seemingly impossible solutions.

Students are divided by grade level.

Do you like to cook and sew? Do you enjoy making crafts?  Would you like to be able to plan parties for your friends and family? Does becoming an officially trained babysitter sound great to you? Do you enjoy field trips? If so, be sure to sign up for this fun-filled, hands-on class.

Join us for a fantastic trip that's "out of this world!" Learn the history of space and flight, explore the planets via computer technology, and assemble and launch your very own "manned" rocket. Come participate in this exciting journey full of hands-on activities. For students who have completed grades 3-5. No exceptions will be made.

Come and join in the fun and excitement of invention!  Students will learn how famous inventions were created and all about the inventors who created them.  The students joining the Inventor's Club will have the opportunity to invent a vegetable derby car and to apply "reverse engineering" by which students take apart broken appliances to discover how they work.  This hands-on course stimulates thinking and creativity through inventive activities such as building structures and completing various designing activities.  Students will also "meet" artists such as da Vinci, Seurat, Calder, and Picasso who were known for their inventiveness as well as for their artistry.  Students are divided by grade level. 

Take an advanced look into the world of life science in Biology II.  One day each week you will travel to the Bill Holifield Science Learning Center for field studies. Hands-on lab investigations, guest speakers, dissecting, and much more await the future biologist.  Come join the fun and get a head start on middle school life science!  For students who have completed fourth or fifth grade only.   (No exceptions will be made.)

People learn to talk, learn to walk, learn to read...we can also learn to think logically.  In this class students will use fun games, literature, and computer activities to learn deductive reasoning, analytical thinking and problem solving strategies.  After analyzing the pattern in Tomorrow's Alphabet by George Shannon, students will create a Power Point presentation applying the same type of logical thinking to their own original ideas.  Students have so much fun with activities like logic problems, Sudoku, and strategy games that they will want to use these new skills at home all summer long!  

This summer an exciting class will be offered to allow the students opportunities to design sets and costumes, sing, dance, and STAR in their own production/performance.  This is sure to be an exciting class for students who have just completed the third, fourth or fifth grade.  An evening play performance will be held at an arts' extravaganza.  Don't delay, register today!  Class size is limited.

Do you love to write, but need additional strategies to develop your stories?  This class will teach you how to add sensory images, emotional thoughts, and descriptive techniques that add personality (or voice) to your writing.  You will also learn a variety of ways to "punch" up your writing with powerful vocabulary and sentence starters.

Produce your own animated movie!  Make reading fun by making an interactive book.  Learn how Power Point can create games.  Students will use computer applications such as Microsoft Paint, Microsoft Power Point, and digital cameras in a fun new way.  Our digital natives will use their creativity, reading and writing skills to learn new computer skills.

Summer Institute for Gifted and Talented Students (SIGS)

The Summer Institute for Gifted and Talented Students challenges students currently in the PACE program grades 1-7. Elementary students (grades 1-4) will select and participate in three 75-minute classes. Classes include simulations, math, science, Caldecott stories, creative writing, foreign languages, art, drama, project builder and multimedia project construction. The middle school program (grades 5-7) includes courses such as humanities, science, mathematics, social sciences, and/or computer training.

The program is located at Robinson Middle School, 6701 Preston Meadow Drive; Murphy Middle School, 620 N. Murphy Road; and Wilson Middle School, 1001 Custer Road.  The dates are June 6 through July 3 from 7:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. (no classes on Fridays).  Tuition is $300 and may be paid with cash, money order, cashier's check, Master Card, Visa, Discover, or American Express card. No personal checks will be accepted.

The Student Registration Form will be sent home with the student in March or may be obtained from the home school PACE teacher. The deadline for registration is May 4.

Transportation is provided from the student's home campus. Bus schedules will be sent home with the students the last week of the 2011-12 school year. For more information contact your child's PACE teacher.

Plano Academy of Learning (PAL)

The Plano Academy of Learning (PAL) is for students in grades K through 5. PISD students are invited to attend this program that targets instruction for acceleration of skills in reading, writing and/or math.  Students who qualify for this focused instruction will be recommended for the program by their teacher.  Recommendation letters will be sent to parents in early spring. Enrollment in this program is limited to students currently attending school in Plano ISD. The program is located at three different elementary schools. The locations are Barron Elementary, 3300 Avenue P; Thomas Elementary, 1800 Montana Trail; and Jackson Elementary, 1101 Jackson.

The dates for all three PAL programs are June 6 through July 3 from 7:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. (no school on Fridays).  Tuition is $210 and may be paid with cash, money order, cashier's check, Master Card, Visa, Discover, or American Express card.  No personal checks will be accepted. The Student Registration Form will be sent home with the student. Out of district students cannot register for this program.

Transportation is provided from the student's home campus. Bus schedules will be sent home with the students the last week of the 2011-12 school year.  For more information contact your student's teacher.

Special Education

Special Education offers the following programs.

• Camp Tejas for students with special needs grades K-8, is an innovative program primarily for  students with significant disabilities. This program uses a camp-like format to enhance communication and independence through a variety of activities.
• Strategic Reading, for students in grades 1-5, is a continuous progress reading program for students currently receiving special education services and who experience difficulty learning to  read and write.

For detailed information about special education programs please contact your child's special education teacher. 

Bilingual / ESL

Bilingual/ESL programs are designed to meet the needs of students with limited English proficiency.  

In the prekindergarten summer school program, instruction will focus on language development, academic and social skills. The kindergarten program is designed to develop language and to accelerate academic skills in reading, writing and math.  Both of these programs are free for Limited English Proficient students who will be entering a kindergarten or a first grade bilingual/ESL class in the fall of 2012. The prekindergarten program and the kindergarten program will be held at Boggess Elementary School, Harrington Elementary School and Wells Elementary School. Breakfast and lunch are provided free of charge. Summer classes are from 8:30 a.m. until 3:10 p.m. Transportation will be provided. The teacher will send home a registration application for students currently enrolled in the prekindergarten or kindergarten program.  

Students new to Plano schools that have been identified as LEP and have enrolled for kindergarten or for first grade in the fall of 2012 may pick up an application in the school office when registering for the 2012-2013 school year.

For more information, contact the bilingual or ESL teacher at the student's home campus.