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For the second year, Widefield School District 3 is planning fun summer classes for students in grades 6-12 through the Summer Engagement Academy. Offerings are unique and diverse, including topics and activities from art to archery, and robotics to weight lifting.

WSD3 initiated the Summer Engagement Academy in 2021 as a way to help students get caught up after a difficult year of COVID-induced remote and hybrid learning, as well as preview courses for the upcoming school year. The courses also allowed students to learn additional skills and exposed them to new topics not normally covered during the school year. It was the first time WSD3 had offered courses outside of high school credit recovery, which helps students who need to make up failed credits or get credits to meet graduation requirements. 

WSD3

Students practice their cooking skills in a 2021 Summer Engagement Academy class.

The program debuted with 30 classes last year, and that has increased to more than 70 in 2022. Classes will be held at various schools in the district, with most lasting three to five days throughout June and July – giving kids a chance to select a few different ones, if they desire.

District officials said the overarching goal is for students to have fun, while enhancing their skills and developing academic tools that will assist them in the 2022-2023 school year.

As usual, elementary schools will offer summer school for specific students in need. That program is based on academic need and is not offered to the general student population.

However, there typically is no summer school for secondary students, which made the Summer Engagement Academy a new feature.

The deadline is register for courses is Friday, April 8. To see the full course listing and register, visit https://www.wsd3.org/district-news/district-news-single/~board/district-news/post/summer-engagement-academy