Superintendent outlines summer programs, reports student results from finish-line prep

Superintendent Dr. Maroon gave a detailed account of the district's summer programming at the July 23 board meeting, describing services from pre-K through high school intended to address academic, social-emotional and transition needs.

She said ESY operated for elementary and middle levels and cited more than 200 elementary students at Lake Hiawatha working on IEP goals and academics. Dr. Maroon noted the Talent Development program enrolled about 40 students this year and that Finish Line Prep helped students meet graduation-testing requirements: "On the English side, 26 of 40 have met the requirement... and 28 of 40 on the math side," she reported. The superintendent also said secondary summer acceleration and a new Summer Acceleration Theater program are starting, and that "we have 392 students, signed up" for other summer classes beginning next week.

She described Adventure Academy field trips for Title I students, volunteers from high schools supporting programs, and the district's efforts to combine academic support with enrichment. The board asked a few clarifying questions about culminating performances and program scale; the superintendent said the theater pilot is small and may result in smaller presentations rather than a large public performance in year one.

Ending: The update was presented for information; the board took no separate action and the superintendent said parents and students will receive communications about program expectations before the school year begins.