~2023 Summer Fun Experiences~

This summer, USD290 offered experiences for USD290 students that are similar to field trips. Each of these experiences not only worked in academic learning in some way, but students were able to reinforce social skills like making new friends, working with others in new situations and developing the courage to do something they have never done before or that they haven't done in a long time. A big thank you to the district for funding these experiences through ESSER grant funding and to the teachers for providing these great experiences for students.

ESSER grants were provided to school districts to address the impact that COVID-19 had on our students. There is valuable learning that is taking place this summer which includes academic and social skills as well as experiencing the types of field trips that were not possible during the pandemic.

This newsletter highlights some of the experiences that have taken place this summer.

If you were not able to sign your child up for one of these experiences, please consider the opportunity from Kansas Department of Education, called Sunflower Summer!

Summer is a great time to extend your child's learning!

The Summer Challenge Program was a success! Students worked on achieving their goals in Lexia and/or Happy Numbers each week. Students used their Clever login to access Lexia and/or Happy Numbers and continued their work where they left off at the end of the school year. Each week when goal(s) were met, students earned their way up levels and received prizes. Prizes for the Summer Challenge were fidgets, Smencils, and large pizzas.

Summer Challenge Program Totals:

Lexia Goals Met = 540

Lexia Units Completed = 7,040

Happy Numbers Goals Met = 571

Happy Numbers Units Completed = 6,351

Even if your child didn't participate in the Summer Challenge Program, they still have access to Lexia Core 5 and Happy Numbers through their Clever Login until the end of July. If they would like some practice.

Students made cards and decorations to share with the residents. The excitement from the residents made our students feel special. There were smiles on all of their faces that day!

Students toured the Kansas City Zoo to look at a variety of different animals and their habitats.

Today’s pioneer journey took us to Mahaffie Stagecoach Stop and Farm Historical Site in Olathe. We traveled back in time to the 1860’s. We did laundry, cut wood, played games, and attended school. Students compared and contrasted life in the 1860’s to modern time.

Students traveled to Main Event in Olathe to practice teamwork by using the scientific method with bowling and to learn how to perform experiments. They played various games to gain an understanding of Newton's 1st Law, variables, hypotheses, probability and recording results. The teachers and students claimed that this was the best field trip ever! The Main Event staff made all of the learning so much fun!

Students toured Arrowhead Stadium to see possible future careers that they could consider! It was exciting to see where the Super Bowl Champs work!

This interactive museum is all about college basketball. Students were able to investigate players of the National Collegiate Hall of Fame, measure their physical attributes to college players, practice a post game wrap-up and shoot some hoops!

Students spent the day exploring different play centers that the Discovery Center had to offer. This student created a dinosaur.

Students were able to experience a discovery tour of the Steamboat Arabia's sinking and recovery with a guide. They saw artifacts that brought frontier days to life. They were able to observe a demonstration in the lab about ongoing preservation of artifacts as well as smell a recreation of the perfume found on the sunken steamboat. They also got to see a full-scale recreation of the Arabia's main deck with the boat's actual boilers and a working 28-foot paddlewheel.

Students learned about and participate in the art of ceramics. After the art workshop, there was a picnic lunch and fun at Roe Park.

Did you know that roller skating uses 80% of the muscles in your body? Students got to have fun while working their muscles at The Rink in Ottawa.

Bowling is not only fun, but it involves a lot of learning:

• Bowling builds the brain by requiring hand-eye coordination and depth perception.
• It is a social sport by interacting with others about the game.
• It builds self-confidence when the pins fall!

Students experienced a behind the scenes tour of the home of the Royals ~ Kauffman Stadium. They explored the equipment evolution over the years, learned about how nutrition is important for the players and used their math skills to do some measuring of baseball and ball park items.

Students learned how to play disc golf; from getting great tips and learning terminology to then playing a round together. It was a lot of fun!