Students enjoy new summer school program
Sports reporter
For dozens of Marion Middle School students the past five weeks of summer school has been, well, cool.
"I've had the time of my life," eighth grader to-be Beth Nesser said.
That's because Nesser participated June 2 through July 7 in the Kansas Middle School Summer School Advancement Grant program, which provided five weeks of voluntary summer school for interested upcoming sixth through ninth graders.
Nesser was one of a few students who volunteered to participate in all five weeks. The students studied government, art, wrote a book, visited colleges, and even cooked during the program. Participants could go to as many of the five, one-week programs offered as they chose.
The program was made possible with a $19,000 grant that USD 408 matched. The enrichment program, as teacher Missy Stubenhofer calls it, provided work for students they don't always receive from August to May.
"It's gone surprisingly smooth," Stubenhofer said.
The Marion Middle School teacher wasn't sure how it would go considering it was the first time the district participated in this program, and summer school isn't always at the top of the list for students.
Aaron Molleker, another student who participated all five weeks, initially thought he might only like the program because it provided him with a free calculator. And while he loves the calculator, the program has been a pleasant surprise.
"It's been a lot better than I thought," Molleker said. "It's fun and relaxing."
The Program
Molleker and Nesser both agreed the most popular part of the program were the Friday visits to area colleges. The students visited technical schools, four-year universities, and two-year junior colleges.
Nesser and Molleker all thought McPherson College topped the list.
"I didn't even know McPherson had a college," Nesser said. "I always wanted to go to K-State, but now I'm thinking about McPherson."
That kind of outcome is what Stubenhofer and the other teachers were hoping for.
Activities such as visiting colleges, writing books and short stories, studying different forms of government, listening to professionals talk about their jobs, and having a fitness activity each day have opened the students' eyes to a different type of education.
Even though they have studied these topics before, the summer program has allowed for them to expand and delve deeper into the subjects.
While mathematics is an integral part of the regular school lessons, learning about the stock market is not.
But that is exactly what they did in week four, along with weight training.
"I missed out on making some money," Molleker said about the five-week program. "But it was totally worth it."
While all the students sacrificed time and worked hard, Stubenhofer and Charlene Metcalf worked equally as hard to secure the grant.
The two had to fill out an application and compose a program narrative consisting of objectives, budget plans, and statement of assurances relating to the program.
Stubenhofer said after the district was awarded the grant, she had heard it wasn't just handed out to anyone who applied.
And the students have made her and Metcalf glad they made the decision to apply for the program.
"We had something like this in the middle school 10 years or so ago, but nothing since," Stubenhofer said.
Nesser, Molleker, and the other students were glad they had the opportunity for the enrichment classes.
"It helps keep you in the school mood," Nesser said. "It was totally worth it."
Other teachers who helped out with the program were: Deanna Thierolf, Julie Trapp, Susan Hall, Michelle Adkins, Bill Darrow, and Jan Davis.
