By Neil Corbett – Maple Ridge News
The little boy was weeping openly as his mom signed him up for the inaugural season of summer elementary school in Maple Ridge.
Kim Bondi, the school district administrator who is responsible for getting the program off the ground, and indirectly for the little guy’s perceived misfortune, consoled him.
But it won’t be all about worksheets and tests, Bondi told him. He described the “learning camp” style that local educators intend.
“It’ll be outdoors, hands-on, fun, experiential learning.”
Summer school will run for just mornings, from 9 a.m. to noon with a snack break, and will run for three weeks from July 7-24.
“He was better after I talked to him,” said Bondi, the district principal for continuing education.
Although it was a tough sell to a kid looking forward to summer vacation, the new program was immediately a hit with parents.
The original plan was to offer summer school programming at three schools, for 300 students. It was only approved by the school board four weeks ago. But 456 students have been registered.
“This is something that was absolutely needed,” said Bondi. “We’ve scaled it up. It’s been quite a response.”
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