Developing Comfort in Initiating Social Interactions
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Paying Attention on Purpose
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When you think of a fun summer break, what comes to mind? Swimming pools…beach vacations…sporting events…concerts…summer school? Yes!! Those all sound like a fantastic summer break.
Wait, did you say summer school? As a matter of fact, most would probably rank summer school at the very bottom of their list. Before we get lost in the reality of returning to school for another year, let’s hit the pause button for a moment and reflect on the incredible work that continued here at Springer over the summer.
Not only is Springer renowned for our day school, but we have also offered an academic focused summer program for over twenty years. The Adventures in Summer Learning program has seen many revisions over that span of time, but has never wavered from the Springer mission of empowering students with learning disabilities to lead successful lives.
This year, change was in the air again. The Adventures in Summer Learning program, while remaining true to the Springer mission, took on a different look in many aspects, including adopting the Wilson Ready to RiseⓇ reading program, which also closely aligns with our day school curriculum using the Wilson Reading SystemⓇ. We were incredibly excited to be able to offer this opportunity to all of our summer program participants in the Morning Expeditions classes for 1st-5th graders and the intensive, 20-day program was a hit with our summer students, and we are proud to say that it will be making a return to next year’s schedule.
Other exciting developments for the summer included offering mini-camps during our afternoon Fun With Friends program to enhance the afternoon experience. Campers were able to choose from additional activities like basic cooking, chess, STEAM, gardening basics, 3D sculpture, and ceramics, and Lego. Most exciting…mini-camps will definitely be returning next year! Be sure to check back to find out what fun activities will return and what new ones will be added.
Our middle school programs took a big step forward to bring more program options to older students. Math Essentials and Improving Writing have been staples in the schedule for many years and, making a comeback, our freshly updated Study Skills class offered students a chance to learn and hone their executive function skills through the SMARTS program, an evidence-based program focusing on organizing, prioritizing, shifting & flexibility, working memory and more.
And lastly, students in 1st-8th grade enjoyed working with Springer’s own licensed professional clinical counselor, Rachel Eccles. Rachel led groups of students through social skills activities that helped them gain experience with peer interactions, group play, and problem solving.
So when I’m asked “What did you do on your summer break?”, my answer is immediate and simple…I lead the most amazing group of educators through a whirlwind five weeks to help struggling students learn to love school. Best Summer Ever! Mark your calendars for January 2023 to see what new and exciting programs we will offer for the upcoming summer. Early Bird registration will run through March 30, 2023.
Blogger Lisa Bruns, M.Ed., Special Education, shares her expertise of students with learning disabilities. As a special educator, she has expert knowledge of interventions and accommodations that students may need to succeed in and out of the classroom. If you have questions, please contact Center Director Lisa Bruns at
