The end of summer is such a bittersweet time for me. I love
the excitement of "back-to-school" and the promise of growth and new
experiences in the next grade level. But it’s still tough to box up the
super-soakers, UV-beads and Model Magic. And when the tattered friendship
bracelets get cut off, I know that another great
Fairmont summer is coming to a close.
Summer at Fairmont Schools is about building confidence—and
depending on the student, this may have an academic or social focus. To develop
confidence, summer may mean experiencing or succeeding at things for the first
time. At the elementary level, this may mean sharing a writing project up in
front of the class or working independently in different learning stations in
summer school. It may mean riding a school bus for the first time or actually
being at a field trip destination for the first time without a parent! It could mean the first jump off a high dive, the first shriek on a
roller-coaster or the first time petting a manta ray at the Aquarium.
Developing confidence over the summer also may mean experiencing academic success. This summer, a record number of Fairmont
junior high students took advanced math courses at Fairmont Prep which will allow them
to progress to the next subject level during the school year. This sense of
accomplishment is the essence of what summer at Fairmont is about to me.
Just like our students, summer is a great time of learning and skill building for our faculty and staff. Fairmont teachers experienced teaching the
new grade level they will teach this upcoming school year or had extra
practice using Accelerated Math or technology tools. Summer Camp Counselors returned
after another year of college under their belts, ready to take on new roles in
teaching students and supporting families.
In my five years as Director of Summer Programs at Fairmont
Schools, I’ve never experienced a summer so magical as the Summer of 2013--Fairmont’s
60th Anniversary Summer. This summer seemed to fly by...but
for a few moments, time stood still. I’d like to share a few of my favorite
Summer 2013 memories:
- Sitting in on Ms. DeVane’ 6th grade Language Arts
class discussion on The Giver at the North Tustin Campus. As a kid, it was
one of my favorite books but I hadn’t thought about it for years. After hearing
our students’ discussion of the novel, I had to re-read it myself.
- Seeing videos of the Jedi Training Academy taught by summer
camp counselors Mr. Evan and Mr. Cody during an afternoon camp rotation. I love
the creativity of our staff and the unique moments it creates for our Padawans,
I mean campers!
- Watching Oliver in swim cap and goggles give me a huge grin
and thumbs up while “body surfing” at Corona del Mar Beach. It was a perfect
summer moment for him and became one for me too.
- Hearing Mr. Al speak with a southern drawl all day on Western Wear Dress-Up Day.
- Having a pretend “tea party” with preschool campers while
waiting for their pony ride and pictures. Since I was dressed up as Snow White
for Fairytale Dress Up Day, I was treated as part celebrity, part best friend
by the preschoolers.
- Pointing out sight words in Miss Dodson’s JK summer school
class with “witchy fingers". Who knew plastic finger sleeves could be such fun
and so educational?!
I’ve already begun a countdown for Summer 2014…43 more
weeks! See you then!
