Palmyra R-I District to offer summer school

While it’s been a while since students have had a traditional classroom, incoming kindergartners and next year’s first graders will have the opportunity to do just that as Palmyra R-I is planning two weeks of summer school this year.

Summer school will run July 6-10 and July 13-17, with students being able to attend one or both weeks.

While actual activities are planned for the kindergarten and first grade students, summer school at the middle school will for students who failed a core subject for the year and at the high school credit recovery and driver’s education.

According to Lora Hillman, who planned this year’s summer school program at the elementary school, the idea is to not only help incoming kindergarten students learn more about the school, but help first graders who might need help because of the time they did not get to spend in the classroom this spring.

“For the incoming kindergartners, like every year, we focus on the kids becoming used to the building and where things are and some of our procedures,” said Hillman.”We are able to see the kids and how they respond to school.”

Kindergarten students will also be given screenings that would normally have occurred during Kindergarten Round-up. 

“The first grade will have a literacy focus,” Hillman added. “Because these children did not have a full kindergarten year, they will benefit from literacy instruction.”

Because of the ongoing pandemic, summer school rules will have to be a little different this year.

According to a letter sent to parents, students will be limited to 15 students in a classroom with lunch being served in that classroom. There is a charge for lunch if the child chooses to participate in that.

There will also be scheduled recess and bathroom breaks and social distancing protocols will be structured during that time.

In addition, only one classroom of 15 students will be on the playground at one time.

The letter also notes temperatures will be taken with a radar thermometer every day, and the custodial staff will log all cleaning of classrooms, bathrooms and the playground.

Most importantly, parents will not be allowed to enter the school with their child as staff will escort them directly to their teacher in the classroom.

Details about pick-up and drop-off of students is in the parent letter or may be obtained by calling the school at 573-769-3736.