Two sheriff’s deputies visited students during the Highland’s School Summer Camp to teach about safety.
The Highlands’ School Summer Learning Camp was a success according to program director Sarah Holbrooks.
The program started on June 14, lasting until Friday of this week.
During the learning camp, students were able to focus on core groups including reading and math.
“It has gone fabulous,” Holbrooks said. “We have four certified teachers that split the students by age. In the morning, the teachers focus on those core group subjects like reading and math. They are able to really key in on those skills that may have been lost during the pandemic and they are able to provide enrichment for those kids that need it.”
The students were fed free lunch and breakfast during the learning camp.
“They were fed everything from corndogs to Chick-Fil-A sandwiches during the day,” Holbrooks said. “My three kids actually attended the program, and they were fed for the past three weeks.”
After academic learning in the morning, students participated in additional activities in the afternoon.
“The focus kind of shifts in the afternoon and was a little more relaxed,” Holbrooks said. “We still did things that were related to the academic side of things, but we incorporated STEM learning, sports and work with the iPads. We did have our art teacher come back this summer and provide the kids with an arts and crafts class, as well. My own kids have come back in the afternoon and have been so excited because they have done things like make tie-dye shirts, friendship bracelets and hands-on crafts.”
Holbrooks said they were able to partner with local businesses to provide additional learning activities for the students.
“We partnered with the Hudson Library, Macon County Sheriff’s Department, the fire department in order to provide the students with additional activities that they wouldn’t get on a typical school day,” Holbrooks said. “My husband actually works for the sheriff’s department, and I asked him if he could come and teach about safety to the kids. I believe safety is really important these days and the kids were then able to explore the different things the deputies have and got to sit in the passenger side of the deputies’ car.”
Meeting with local heroes is something Holbrooks said is important for the young students.
“These students need to be able to have visits from these community helpers and real-life heroes,” Holbrooks said. “A lot of their hard work and dedication goes unseen and I think it is important for these students to see what these local people are doing for us.”
Throughout the program, Holbrooks said the students have been excited to participate.
“We had a really strong emphasis on academics,” Holbrooks said. “But I think all of the kids have been happy and really enjoyed this time. I think this time was important for a lot of kids because we were able to focus on small groups and target some skills. This program gives them a sort of head start to the school year.”