EPHRATA — As the summer season wraps up, 190 students in the Ephrata School District are proving that learning doesn't cease when the school year ends. The district’s summer school program, now in its final week, drew 136 Kindergarten through sixth-grade students to participate in enriching activities designed to bolster academic skills. 

"We aim to keep their skills up over the summer months and foster an ongoing curiosity about learning," said Director of Teaching and Learning Sharon Scellick. "We want to avoid the summer slide and keep our students active and engaged." 

The program runs from Monday through Thursday, 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM, and includes a balanced focus on reading, math and social-emotional growth. The program is free for students and paid for by both federal Title I funds and state Learning Assistance Program monies.  Ephrata’s summer school program gathers students at their current grade levels, allowing them to continue honing the skills they learned throughout the recently concluded school year. For elementary students, activities are structured around themes and exploration.  

At the high school level, summer school has a different focus: credit retrieval. Fifty-nine students are participating in credit recovery courses, allowing them to stay on track for graduation. The high school program runs until July 24, ensuring students have ample opportunity to recover missed credits from the previous academic year. 

Ephrata’s summer program prioritizes a low-tech approach, aiming to foster engagement and social interaction.  

“Summer school isn’t just about filling gaps; it’s about building kids up,” teacher Audie Kirk said. 

That includes setting a healthy routine. 

“We want them to read every day, engage in hands-on activities, and ensure that they don’t rely on digital devices during this time,” Scellick said. 

Kirk, who recently taught her first summer school class, has quickly adapted their methodologies to fit this engaging paradigm.  

“With a smaller classroom, we can offer more individual attention. I’ve enjoyed having fewer students than I typically do during the academic year,” Kirk said. “This setup allows us to focus on social interaction while diving deeply into subjects like multiplication through fun and interactive activities.” 

Kirk's summer program included creative projects aimed at addressing important environmental issues, such as ocean pollution.  

“We incorporated fine motor skills through a hands-on slime activity where students learned about the impact of pollution,” she said. “This not only taught them about a significant current issue but also helped them build essential skills in a fun way.” 

The increase in social interactions is also notable among elementary students, according to Jill Hernandez, who has been teaching summer school for the past four years. At the beginning of the program, she said students appeared unsure how to engage in free play without digital devices.  

“Over time, they began to create games and build friendships, even with kids they don’t usually hang out with. It’s incredible to witness their growth in social skills," Hernandez said. 

With breakfast and lunch provided and transportation offered for students, the Ephrata School District’s summer program stands as a valuable resource for families, Scellick said. The district continues to prioritize educational experiences that not only prevent the summer slide but foster curiosity and a love for learning, Scellick said.  

“It’s about making learning an adventure, sparking curiosity, and preparing our students for the school year ahead,” Kirk said.  

    The Ephrata School District had 190 students attend the program this year. The program allows students to avoid the “summer slide” and stay engaged during the summer. The high school students are given an opportunity to redo or complete credits needed for graduation.