THINK Together’s Summer, Spring Break and other Intercession programs look and feel very different from the traditional school year program but still provide a safe, academically enriching environment that is engaging to students. Instructional activities focus on the development and retention of academic skills delivered in a manner that is more student-driven and flexible to ensure that instruction engages the interest of students.
Spring Break programs run half day during the school’s spring break. At the request of the school day, the academic focus is on test preparation, which includes reviewing strategies with students on how to effectively share the information they have on a standardized test. Special attention is paid to the language of “test” and clues that can be found in the words of the directions and questions themselves.
We also review the “mechanics” of test taking as well as specific teacher-identified curriculum standards that could use a double does. To round out the Spring Break program, students participate in physical activity and enrichment activities that coordinate student interest and staff talent.
The Summer Program is organized around weekly or bi-weekly themes and includes diverse, hands-on, project-based activities. Incentives for attendance are earned weekly. Learn about the impact of our program on summer learning loss.
Summer Curriculum
Our summer enrichment program utilizes all of the core extended learning curricula but augments these through the integration of certificated teachers and intentionally utilizing the following additional materials:
- STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math): A science component, such as the Academy of Robotics (AOR) program, allows students to engage in scientific endeavors such as building walking machines, conducting programming experiments, and designing with a Computer-Aided-Design (CAD) program. Project-based activities provide students with opportunities to develop their information, media and technology skills. An arts component, such as the Artist’s Palette Club, allow students to learn about art history, explore certain artists’ styles and express themselves by practicing techniques through sketching these artists’ works. Performing arts such as drama, dance and music are strategically embedded with language skills. Computer-based Math programs focused on conceptual development and discrete skill development are also utilized.
- Outdoor Education and Team building is incorporated through the CRATE (Container of Revolutionary Academic and Teambuilding Exercises) curriculum, which uses tools, props and games to immerse students in an outdoor learning environment through a wealth of activities designed to accelerate and reinforce learning. Students will experience opportunities to develop leadership, critical thinking and team-building skills. Field trips to local museums, science centers, outdoor education centers, and libraries reinforce summer learning.
- Learning experiences are strengthened by field trips to museums, exploratoriums, aquariums, colleges and universities, and other places of interest that support the curriculum.
THINK Together understands the importance of the promotion of healthy eating and the requirement to abide by California Education Code. Through federal USDA food programs, students attending summer programs receive breakfast, a snack and/or lunch. In addition to providing students with healthy and nutritious snacks on a daily basis, students learn about the “My Plate” U.S. Dietary Guidelines for Americans through the Harvest of the Month program.
For more information on our summer program in Santa Ana Unified School District consult the resources below:
2012 SAUSD Summer Enrichment Program Overview
2012 SAUSD’s Summer Learning Program
2012 SAUSD Summer Learning Program Directory
2012 SAUSD Summer Elementary and Parks Lunch Menu
