Salem-Keizer Education Foundation Launches “Enrichment Academy”

OCF grant funds new summer, after-school programs.

Salem-News.com

(SALEM, Ore. ) - The Salem-Keizer Education Foundation hopes to help parents answer that question with a new educational opportunity for students of all needs and abilities.

The foundation’s “Enrichment Academy” will offer multiple levels of summer camp programs, starting this month, and after-school opportunities in the coming school year.

The programs will serve both struggling and high achieving students of all socio-economic backgrounds.

“The Academy will provide year-round, supplemental educational services to improve academic achievement, support the needs of talented and gifted students, and offer elective enrichment opportunities,” said Krina Lemons, SKEF executive director.

A grant from the Oregon Community Foundation is helping fund the Academy.

Stacy Cogar will serve as program coordinator.

Cogar taught for 12 years in the Salem-Keizer district. She is ESOL endorsed and has served as bilingual team leader at Keizer Elementary School. She currently runs a web-based business that supplies parents, teachers and schools with teaching resources.

“I am blessed to be part of the Academy, which will provide enrichment opportunities for children as well as professional development opportunities for teachers,” said Cogar. “As a teacher, mother and life-long learner, I know how needed the Academy is and am excited to help bring this service to our community.”

Each summer camp will have a robust inquiry-based curriculum taught by trained instructors and certified teachers.

Camp themes to be launched this summer include The Science of Sports, Pioneer Life, Sleuthing Logic and Mysteries, Young Inventors at Work, Exploring Movements with the Masters (art history), Lights, Camera, Action (drama), Konnichiwa (Japanese) and Bonjour Mes Amis (French).

Parents can choose from three camp sessions, all in Monday through Thursday blocks:

· Session 1: July 30 – August 2

· Session 2: August 6 – 9

· Session 3: August 13 – 16

All camps are 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM and lunch is provided.

Sessions one and two will be held at Crossler Middle School.

The only exception is the Science of Sports camp, which will be offered at the Dravus Sports Academy. The location for Session three has not been determined.

Registration forms were mailed last week to district parents.

The form also is available on the foundation’s website: www.skeducationfoundation.org.

Meanwhile, the Enrichment Academy will offer after-school math and literacy programs starting in late 2007 or early 2008.