• Elementary Summer Options

    Kirkwood Jumpstart - Program Description & Student ExperienceElem Jumpstart Calendar

    Our goal is to aggressively support the academic and social-emotional development of current K-4 students who would most benefit from additional summer instruction in smaller settings.  This will be accomplished through (1) engaging summer learning, with a heavy emphasis on developing literacy and math skills, (2) pre-teaching of curriculum for upcoming grade levels, with decisions guided by student data and needs, and (3) direct instruction with district-adopted resources for Tier I and small group/targeted intervention.

    • Students will meet in person from 9:00-3:00, Monday-Friday from July 10-August 4. 
    • Much student learning will center around literacy and math, with teachers utilizing district-adopted resources used during the school year (i.e. Heggerty, Sonday, Units of Study, Second Step, Investigations).  We also expect summer students will engage in fun thematic and/or problem-based experiences.
    • Our target audience for KSD Jumpstart includes current K-4 students (rising 1st-5th graders) who would benefit most from additional learning time in smaller settings.  Current fifth graders will be included in middle school programming.
    • All students/teachers meet at Robinson Elementary School (803 Couch Avenue).
    • Class sizes will be limited to 10-12 students per teacher.
    • Each elementary school aims to fill roughly 10-12 spots per grade level, although these numbers may vary by need.
    • Confirmation of enrollment will be shared no later than May 15.  Preference will be given to students who can attend in person for at least 18 of the 20 instructional days.
    • Interested families should contact your classroom teacher, building principal, and/or Elizabeth Lock, Jen Bordenkircher, or Ken Peacock, summer school administrators.
    • Additional details will be added to this site throughout the spring and summer.

    Enrichment and/or Adaptive Academies via Launch - Online Only - REGISTER HERE

    • Online classes are available to all current K-4 students through Launch, a KSD partner based out of Springfield Public Schools.  There is no cost to families or the Kirkwood School District for these courses, with funding through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE).
    • Launch courses are offered from June 5-30 and July 5-31.  Each session will be 19 contact days.
    • Students can take up to two courses per month or four courses per summer, if desired.
    • Students who do not log in and participate at once per week will be automatically dropped after two weeks.
    • Enrichment themes include The Amazing Race in June and Earth Explorers in July.  Additional information about these classes can be found below.  Each includes 6 hours of daily, teacher-supported instruction.
    • Adaptive academies in reading, math, and coding include access to adaptive software and regular one-on-one and small group support opportunities with teachers. 
    • Summer programming is available specifically to students in REACH and those at-risk for dyslexia. 
    • Students can register for classes up to the first day of each session, June 5 and July 5.
    • KSD students who participate in Jumpstart (July 10-Aug 4) can participate in Launch Session 1 (June 5-30).  Students cannot be enrolled in KSD and Launch programming at the same time, however.

    Launch Course Information

    Launch invites students in grades 1-5 to participate in engaging summer programming and theme-focused courses for both June and July! All elementary enrichment and academy offerings provide remediation services and extended support for elementary learners.

    Elementary Programming

    June: The Amazing Race
    On your mark… Get set… Go! Kiddos in grades 1-5 are invited to lace up their running shoes and race their way around the globe, all while exploring lands and investigating special features peppered throughout the seven continents! Like any amazing race, this course comes with its fair share of challenges—students enjoy using critical thinking skills and a bit of imagination to work their way across the finish line!

    July: Earth Explorers
    Grab a shovel, roll up your sleeves and dig into a month of discoveries as you examine the earth from the inside out! Students in grades 1-5 enjoy layers of learning as they explore the earth’s geosphere, hydrosphere and atmosphere, and lessons on water conservation, recycling and other environmental issues educate explorers on how they can do their part to preserve the planet!

    Summer Academy: Launch into Coding
    This academy was created for all computer-loving kiddos. Students are assessed at their learning level and learn how apps and games are created, and they even have a chance to make their own video game! This academy is offered at both the elementary and middle school levels.
     
    Summer Academy: Launch into Math
    Dreambox is an online mathematics program for grades K-5. Dreambox assesses a student's current level in mathematics, then provides individualized instruction at the learner's level. This personalized instruction builds tremendous learning momentum, helping students achieve success and confidence in their math abilities. Your student will continue to learn math online during the summer months. It is recommended that students spend 60 minutes per week in the program.
     
    Summer Academy: Launch into Reading
    Lexia supports students in grades K-5 by providing differentiated literacy instruction. Lexia's research-proven program provides explicit, systematic, personalized learning in the six areas of reading instruction, targeting skill gaps as they occur. Your student will continue to focus on foundational reading skills during the summer months. It is recommended that students spend 40-80 minutes in Lexia per week.
     
    Summer Enrichment: iPicture the World
    This course allows students to explore how they can use photography to express themselves. Multiple avenues provide photography and writing inspiration, and students utilize a variety of tech tools to research as well as write and illustrate their own book. This course does a great job at expanding the classroom beyond its traditional sense, all while giving students an opportunity to expand their communication skills.
     
    Elementary Gifted Summer Themes
    Grades 2-3 - Paleontology/Mysteries (June) & Oceanography/Fairy Tales (July)
    Grades 4-5 - Citizen Scientist/Around the World (June) & Microcosmos/Myths and Legends (July)
     
    Reading Lift-Off Academy (Grades 2-5, by invitation only)
    Launch Reading Lift-Off Academy provides specially trained teachers who engage students with a powerful combination of small group and/or one-to-one intervention support. Students will have access to MindPlay, adaptive software specially designed to support students at-risk for dyslexia.