ALL EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS REQUIRED TO ATTEND SUMMER SCHOOL

Parent orientation for current 8th grade students set for May 6

St. Louis – Dr. Creg Williams, superintendent of the St. Louis Public Schools, today announced that all 8th grade students will be required to attend the district’s new summer school program scheduled to begin June 5. Registration for the extended year preparatory program has already begun and will continue until May 1.

The district is encouraging the parents or guardians of current 8th graders to attend an orientation on May 6 from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Vashon High School located at 3035 Cass Ave.

“This is a necessary intervention for our 8th grade students, many of whom are not academically prepared for the transition into high school,” Dr. Williams said. “Performance in reading, language arts, and math among 8th graders has steadily declined in the past six years and we must work diligently to reverse this trend,” he said.

The summer academic program has been completely redesigned to accelerate the learning of those 8th graders who are not proficient in communication arts or mathematics. Students who do not require intervention will be enrolled in a summer science camp.

“In addition to helping our struggling 8th graders academically, we will also be preparing them for the rigors of high school. We will be teaching them the Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens and providing 8th graders an orientation to the high school they will attend,” Dr. Williams said. “These kids will be one step ahead of the curve when the regular school year begins,” he said.

While summer school is required for 8th graders, parents are encouraged to enroll their children regardless of grade level or proficiency.

In another change, high school seniors who are lacking 1.5 or less credits for graduation are also encouraged to attend summer school. A special graduation ceremony will be held at the conclusion of summer schools for those 12th graders who complete their diploma requirements this summer.

Registration forms and official notification were sent home to parents last week. Forms will remain available at all district schools, or online at www.slps.org.