School District 43 is considering expanding its summer school skill-building programs to make them available to more elementary school students.
As many as 1,000 elementary school-aged children took free language arts and math skill-building courses at three schools last summer but the vice-principal of SD43's Learning Innovations Network Coquitlam, said he would like to see the courses offered at two additional schools next year.
"We're almost full everywhere we go," Mike McGlenen said. "We're looking to get it out into more spots in the district."
Offering programs in different neighbourhoods may help where accessibility is in an issue, McGlenen said, and he isn't worried about people using the program as free daycare because it's only for half a day. "I'd be surprised if it's used in that way," he said, explaining that the program is for students who could benefit from a little more time with a teacher before embarking on their summer holiday.
"The teachers assess where they are [academically] and try to move forward," McGlenen said of the free programs that run from 9 a.m. to noon daily for about three weeks in July.
A similar program for language arts, math and science is also available for middle school students and last year 541 students attended.
At the high school level, 355 students enrolled in skill-building programs while 273 attended remedial programs and 1,685 students took regular secondary school courses.
A report to school board Tuesday noted that the programs have a high success rate, with 99% of students in elementary and 97% of middle school students completing the program. At the high school level, 90% of students in skill building, 98% of students in remedial programs and 93% of students in academic courses received a pass or better.
In all, 3,854 students took summer school courses this year and another 485 high school students signed up for the Coquitlam Open Learning Fast Track Program, which offer courses with a blend of online and face-to-face instruction for students requiring flexibility in their school year.
SUMMER GAMES HELP
The city of Coquitlam has a partner in its bid for the 2016 Summer Games after School District 43 trustees voted Tuesday to allow district facilities to be used for sporting events and accommodation on a cost-neutral basis. If the city wins the bid, expected to generate millions of dollars in community spin-offs, the games would mark the city's 125th birthday. Coquitlam is now seeking Games Champions to support the bid.
