By: Ana Pichardo—
Muncie, IN— When MCS noticed an upward trend in the number of kindergarten and first grade children being retained over a four year period, the district saw a critical need to implement a Transition Summer School program.
During the spring of 2016, elementary principals, Eric Grim and Kara Miller, began planning for the three week program housed at South View Elementary School. The program included children from each elementary school. Of the 115 children that were recommended, 66 decided to take advantage of the opportunity.
Sutton Elementary School Principal, Eric Grim, shares his experience, “We saw tremendous success with the Transition Summer School at Sutton Elementary and across the district. We were able to provide an extended school year to students who needed additional academic support and prevent summer slide. We are looking to grow the program next summer by adding second grade students and starting the recruitment process earlier in the spring.”
The parent of one child in the TSS program wrote, “He has enjoyed this summer program so much! He is always excited to show me his papers, I’ve noticed a big difference all around. He has been counting in the car, and his number recognition has improved tremendously. This has been a blessing for both my son and myself. Anything I can do to help this program continue please feel free to contact me. I’ve seen improvement with my son!”
As a result of the Transition Summer School program, the kindergarten and first grade retention rates dropped dramatically by nearly half compared to the previous year.
Kara Miller, South View Elementary School, principal shares her experience, “It was a wonderful opportunity for our students who did not make their end of the year goals. We were able to develop curriculum based off the needs of the students and work with them intensely on their individual needs. The teachers monitored the students each day, and were able to concentrate on specific needs of each student.”
With the success seen from this year’s program, MCS will consider expanding the program to include second grade children next year.
The Muncie Community Schools (MCS) serve approximately 6000 students from Muncie and the surrounding area. MCS provides a range of diverse opportunities for children as well as adult basic education. For more information about MCS events, programs or services, please contact Ana Pichardo, Director of Communications at 765-747-5210 or apichardo@muncie.k12.in.us. Follow MCS on Twitter at @MuncieSchools and like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/MCS1Official.
