Re1J Summer experience lauded by parents and students alike

Looking at better hours for next year

By Olivia Lueckemeyer

In a presentation to the school board on Monday, August 24, Summer Experience coordinator Julia Kidd outlined the program’s success through a show of statistics and parent reviews, while also suggesting some minor adjustments.

The Crested Butte Community School experienced an 88 percent attendance rate each day, with 145 students attending regularly. Kidd explained that while she had planned to accommodate elementary, middle and high school age students, registration allowed for Summer Experience only at the elementary school level.

The program encompassed two three-week sessions in June and July, running from 9 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students had the choice of attending reading, math, or both, and were also given the choice of two extra curricular courses—creative arts, sewing, Spanish, nature arts, cultural studies, outdoor education and more. Outside organizations such as the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab and Mountain Roots partnered with the program to offer courses.

One class in particular, Lego Mindstorm, taught robotics and basic coding and was the most popular choice among students. Kidd explained that efforts are under way to integrate this course into regular curriculum.

Approximately $35,000, primarily derived from mill levy funds, was allocated toward operating Summer Experience in CBCS, which Kidd said she found to be sufficient. The program charged $25 per student per session, which covered most of the program’s supplies, but was also an attendance motivator.

Though student and parent feedback was overwhelmingly positive, Kidd was concerned about the program’s hours, which for some parents conflicted with work schedules. Kidd also noted that if the program is to grow as projected, building space at CBCS may become an issue, and outside usage of the site during the summer months may need to be reevaluated.