June 11, 2004

Enrollment reported up for summer school
by Teresa Ressel, Daily Journal Stafff Writer

BONNE TERRE - Despite a number of students dropping out the first week, administrators at North County say summer school is going well.

Bonne Terre Elementary School Principal Ann Farrell said about 100 students dropped out of the elementary summer school program the first week.

But she said it is fairly typical for that percentage of students to drop out.

She is quick to point out that enrollment is up from last year. This year, there are 400 students at her school.

Over 500 had signed up for the elementary summer school program, which she said would have been too many.

She said during past years, typically 285 students sign up, 225 students show up for the first week and about 100 students end up staying until the end.

But the district is using a new program this year - the Newton Learning Program, which uses incentives like $100 gift cards to boost enrollment and daily attendance.

Classes, with hands-on activities that enrich student learning and match state objectives, are offered through June.

Farrell said the students and teachers seem to be enjoying the classes.

She said it took everyone some time to get used to the scheduling. First through fourth graders change teachers for every class - which is something they weren't used to. Also, Desloge Elementary students weren't familiar with the layout of Bonne Terre school.

Farrell said she is satisfied with the new program but she would like to "tweak" the scheduling next year. She said she would like to be able to control the scheduling rather than the company the district contracted.

Third graders, Emily Robinson and Heather Hartrup, both agreed this year has been much more fun than last year. Some of the activities they have enjoyed are playing with Legos, painting, writing and participating in science activities.

But nothing can top last year for third grader, Levi Gramlisch. Last year, he caught a huge catfish while fishing at the lake during a class. He said he won the fishing contest.

But he said he is having fun this year, too.

Dr. Terry Gibbons, superintendent of North County schools, said things are going well this summer but participation among older students is probably not quite what they wanted it to be.

Even though attendance at the high school and middle school level is up from last year, he said the company was hoping they would have a few more students. He said the elementary school is doing very well.

"We are averaging about 1,000 kids (overall)," he said.