This story was originally published in The Times Herald.
Student success is the primary mission of every educator in the district. We will continuously innovate our practices and programs to improve student achievement. One example of this is a new evolving partnership between Port Huron Schools and the Port Huron Recreation Department. As a result of this collaboration, several upcoming programs have been designed to support the district’s Blueprint goals and provide “personalized learning” and “high quality focused instruction on a daily basis.”
This summer, one of those enrichment programs is a “Mini University.” Four summer sessions, focused on 6- through 12-year-olds and held at Indian Woods Elementary will offer a number of academic and athletic opportunities with themes focused on performing arts, world languages culture, science and engineering and computer science.
At Crull, Garfield, Roosevelt, Woodrow Wilson and Kimball Elementary schools, summer learning programs are being sponsored by Title I funding -- state and federal grant efforts for qualifying students who are enrolled in these schools.
These programs will immerse students in summer schooling on reading, math and Lego simple machines. Some programs will additionally feature afternoons that are supported with the Port Huron Recreation Department operating a “Summer School Fun Factory.”
The 21st Century Community Learning Center “Horizon’s Program” will also be offering summer programming at various locations for 3rd- through 12th-graders.
It is important that our students have learning opportunities year-round that are personalized and progressive in partnership with our community. Special thanks to Nancy Winzer, director, and her team at the recreation department for supporting and developing these innovative partnerships with Port Huron Schools. Together as a community, we can strive toward education enhancements and engaging students and families throughout the entire year.
We are exploring new ways to partner with other community members in private, nonprofit and educational sectors. With a “cradle to career-college” approach, Port Huron Schools is focused on providing opportunities for students to explore and excel. For our youngest students, Port Huron Schools will be providing Great Start Readiness preschool programs during the summer, along with Head Start in the fall.
For selected students entering Port Huron High School, St. Clair TEC will be providing instruction via a partnered program to explore career paths and enhance math skills. This collaboration is another example of the unique opportunities and exceptional experiences being developed for Port Huron Schools students.
Please visit the
www.phasd.us website and click on the “Parents” scroll down menu to learn more information as it develops. These programs and others that are currently being created are bringing personalized education opportunities to our students.
I hope that parents will support these programs and the entire team of educators throughout Port Huron Schools as we strive to enrich our community, student achievement and educational resources.