Summer school bounce-back continues

As it continues to recover from a major pandemic hit, Northern Ozaukee Summer School is continuing to grow and add classes, Principal Lynn Kucharski said.

In 2019, the summer school reported 465 students in attendance, which dropped to 75 the following online-only year.

This year, the program has about 230 students, an increase of about 10% from last year, Kucharski said.

As in the past, the program, which runs from June 10 to July 3, is split into two tracks.

Students in 5K through second grade are enrolled in grade-specific “Learning Adventures” sessions throughout the morning, while those in the third through eighth grade are able to receive teacher-recommended tutoring in reading or math, then attend their choice of electives.

These electives include additions such as “The Show Must Go On,” a class that allows students to participate in several short plays.

“Students will be able to learn acting techniques and public speaking,” Kucharski said.

For the outdoor minded, Kucharski said, the school offers “Exploring the NOSD Forest,” where students can do hands-on activities relating to science and engineering concepts.

“We are really looking forward to a full summer school with these fun classes,” she said.

The summer school provides an opportunity for NOSD teaching staff to work during the summer, Kucharski said, noting a majority of the summer school teachers are from the elementary school, along with a few from the middle and high schools.

Additionally, the district’s instructional aides and assisting high school students are able to work at the school, she said.

Students primarily come from NOSD, Divine Savior Catholic School and Sugar Maple Nature School, Kucharski said.

Registration ran from March to mid-May.

The summer school program runs from 8 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The YMCA is offering an on-site, after-school care program until 6 p.m.