Summit Is Better:

Our Technology Advantage

A simple review of the job market will reveal one truth; technology is the way of the future. Before they enter school, children are exposed to electronic devices at a growing rate.

It is becoming more common for toddlers to play on tablets before they even utter their first word. In a world where technology is everywhere, our young ones must become equipped with the knowledge of how to handle it, problem solve with it, and use it to create.

At Summit Academy, we strive to make sure our students are at the forefront of the technology curve. This does not just mean providing them with access to laptops and iPads, but having our teachers use them to instruct in the classroom. We want our students to be able to learn concepts in class the same way they will learn them in the workforce; through the use of technology.

One of the steps we have taken to accomplish is this is forming a 3D lab for our students. Through the use of this technology, students are able to visualize concepts that they were previously only able to read about or see in videos. As an example, instead of just learning about the human eye through a picture, our 3D lab allows students to play with a virtual eye, remove the different layers with their hands, turn it around and really see every part of it as if they were holding an actual eyeball. When students are able to learn about math and science concepts in this manner, it increases their curiosity and love for science and math, a necessary foundation for a career in the sciences or technology.

Currently, Summit Academy is one of two school districts in Michigan that gives students the opportunity to learn in a 3D computer lab. Yet another reason why Summit is not just a great choice for your child, it’s the best choice.

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Five Tips to Help Your Child Finish the Year Strong

The end of the school year is almost here and students are eagerly awaiting summer break. Still, when it comes to academic learning, “almost doesn’t count.”

We all know how easy it is for children to fall into a slump towards the end of the school year. However, keeping your young one motivated and focused is crucial is necessary for them to finish the year strong.  If you notice your child trying to throw in the towel, here are five ways you can get them back on track.

1. Keep up their routine.
   Good habits are at the foundation of academic success, and nothing builds good habits like a consistent routine. Children, especially those at the elementary school level, tend to feed off of their parents. If they notice that you are falling into the summer slumps, they will follow suit. Making sure you are keeping up with their school year routine will affirm that your expectations are still the same and theirs should be as well.
2. Make sure all assignments are turned in on time.
   Missing or late assignments tend to increase during the second half of the school year and there is a significant uptick in the last few weeks of the school year. Help your child stay on top of school work and get it turned in by checking their planner for due dates and following up on PowerSchool to make sure the assignments were received.
3. Encourage them to look forward to next year.
   If your children are excited for the following school year, they will want to make sure they have done their best this year. Remind them how important building on what they learn now will be next year.
4. Quiz them on what they learned this year.
   Retention is very important as children move on to a different grade. Ask them review questions on their curriculum from the school year and encourage them to ask for help on things they don’t understand.
5. Keep them in learning mode.
   The most important thing for parents and students to remember is that learning is not limited to the school year. Our brains do not take a summer break, and it is important that the minds of our students be exercised year round. Keep up a routine of learning, even during the summer, like planning activities or “field trips” that your child can do outside of school.

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June Events:

at Summit Academy North Elementary

6/6             5^th Grade Choir & Band Concert 6:00pm

6/7             School-wide Field Day

6/13           1^st & 2^nd grade Greenfield Village Field Trip

6/13           K & 5^th Grade Graduations K-5:00pm    5^th-7:00pm

6/15           Kindergarten Zoo Field Trip

6/15           3^rd-5^th Grade Talent Show

6/16           Last Day of School (½ day)

 

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How to Give Your Child an Active Summer

It is a well-known fact that school age children look forward to summer break. The long sunny days allow for plenty of play and fun outside with friends.

For parents, though, summer can present a challenge. While your child’s schedule has opened up, your work schedule has likely remained the same.  Giving your child an active and productive summer may seem impossible when your free time has not received the same increase.

Look into Summer Camps

Summer camps are a great way to give your children social interactions and learning activities without wondering how to keep them busy each day. Organizations such as the YMCA offer inexpensive summer camp programs that will offer your child enrichment opportunities and fun summer field trips.

Sports camps are also offered by different community centers and organizations. If your child is interested in pursuing sports in school or as part of traveling teams, this would be a great alternative.

Check out the Library

Local libraries have all sorts of summer programs and activities for young children. From story time to arts and crafts, you are sure to find something that your children will enjoy. Add a library day to your calendar each week and make it a fun part of their summer routine.

Plan Projects

Swap out your child’s screen time with a fun project each week. Pinterest, Amazon, and other websites offer ideas and products for STEAM and STEM projects that can be done at home under the supervision of an adult. These types of projects not only provide learning experiences for the family, but they also keep your child thinking and allow them to apply what they have learned during the school year.

There are also websites you can visit that provide ideas for different projects that can be done at home or outside, such as http://www.seussville.com/parents/.

Be Attentive

The most important thing you can do for your kids this summer is pay attention to their needs and interests. While it may not be possible to take days off work, your child will appreciate all you do to take an active part in their lives this summer.

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Parents:

Keeping Learning Fun this Summer

 

The Goal: In order to help your child retain what they learned during the school year, consistent effort has to be made to keep your child in learning mode. Doing so requires that you find fun and creative ways to make learning enjoyable for your child this summer.

The Challenge: For many young children, learning and summer seem like contradicting words. Getting your child to willingly participate in activities that are educational may not be an easy task.

What You Can Do:  With a little research, planning, and creativity, you can plan activities that are summer friendly, yet still beneficial to your child.

The first thing you will want to do is pay attention to your child’s learning style. If your child is a hands on learner, research projects and learning activities that you allow for practical application at home.

It is also important to talk to your child and figure out what their interests are. That way, you can plan learning activities that incorporates those interests and add a new level of fun for them.

Another way to make summer learning fun is to involve your child’s friends.  Whether you want to take an educational field trip, or plan a math scavenger hunt, learning is more fun with friends. Coordinate with other parents to form a summer camp group where you all can take a role in planning educational activities for your children.  Bouncing ideas off of one another will also help you find ways to keep your children engaged throughout the summer.

Never underestimate your ability to make learning fun for your child. In the age of social media, Pinterest, and countless websites on the internet, there is no limit to the ways you can make summer learning enjoyable.

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MEET OUR STAFF & STUDENTS

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