Did you ever wonder why most school districts wait to offer remedial help to struggling students until those children are in a summertime state of mind?  District 44 staff did and decided to create something different. They built an alternative model to replace traditional Summer School called, "The Extended Day Program."

This program is held during the regular school year and targets improving the reading comprehension, vocabulary, and math skills of students struggling in Grades 3-5 as well as the math skills of students in Grades K-2.

Classroom and reading teachers' recommendation as well as test results determine who may participate in the Extended Day Program. Those chosen attend three days a week for 12 weeks.The program and bus transportation home was offered at NO COST to parents.

One key component of the Extended Day Program is that it is taught by District 44 staff, unlike the traditional summer school where nondistrict personnel are often hired. Another plus is that participants use reading and math programs that mirror the curriculum they currently use in class. Familiarity with the materials lets students follow an instructional format they know, thereby allowing them to move quicker through the remediation process.

The links listed below provide information on other types of

opportunites available for students during the summer: