Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo: Another Great ThinkSummer! Program
The CIS ThinkSummer! program for Kalamazoo Public Schools elementary and secondary students is designed to reduce summer learning loss and increase academic and enrichment opportunities.
During this year’s program, over 130 students were able to explore our summer STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) theme. Each week, our team facilitated different lesson plans, hosted guest presenters, and planned field trips—all focusing on different components of the summer STEAM theme.
While we’ve been showcasing some of the activities and experiences students have had on the CIS Facebook page, we want to thank our partners who provided engaging opportunities for the students we served this summer. With your support, partners, this summer was engaging and fun for all students involved.
Science: Food Scientist guest, Karlyn Page and Western Michigan University Medical School guest, Candace Moore, Health Equity Manager and Pathway Programs joined to provide hands on experiments for the science week theme.
Technology: Bangtown Productions owner, Pharlon Randle, Architectural Designer, Haywood Babineaux and Intern, Matthew Collins from Abonmarche, Video Game Designer and Instructor at Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Western Michigan University, Michael Beyene, and guests from Stryker Emerging Processionals (SEP) joined for the technology themed week.
Engineering: Students built and flew planes with Christopher de Graca Lobo, a pilot and KRESA Discovery Lab was parked at ThinkSummer! for students to visit with Jason Luke, KRESA Career Exploration Director.
Arts: John Bolden, the author of John B. and the Wonderful World of Coding and Destine Price, Executive Director of FIRE Historical and Cultural Arts Collaborative joined during the Arts theme week.
Math: Students participated in a Mobile ED Assembly on accounting and KRESA Financial Reality Fair was facilitated by Dawn Pincumbe, KRESA Career Development Consultant.
In addition to the guests who came to the CIS ThinkSummer! program, students visited Stryker headquarters, Michigan Adventure’s, and went to the movies to see Inside Out 2.
“Associate Directors Jenee McDaniel and Soreya Nelson did an amazing job researching STEAM activities and projects that supported student learning and imagination.” – Dr. Tamiko Garrett, Sr. Director of Site Services.
“I love school in general and I was hoping to see some of my friends from my old school Milwood Elementary School—where A’miyah goes.” Raniah, 4th grader at Washington Writers’ Academy.
“I liked seeing people from school and hoping that Raniah was going to be here … and she is!” A’miyah, 4th grader at Milwood Elementary School.
“I like making new friends.” Zariyah, 6th grader at Linden Grove Middle School.
“I like making new friends and playing soccer.” Royce, 6th grader at Maple Street Middle School.
“I appreciated the hands-on approach to Think Summer. The practical experiences like learning about finances were so beneficial to my children.” Gaby Ray, parent of students at El Sol and Maple Street.
To all you delightful folks who partnered with us to enrich and inspire our kids this summer, thank you! Check out more pictures on the CIS Facebook page.
CIS Think Summer! is supported by federal dollars awarded through the Michigan Department of Education, the 21st Century Community Learning Centers. These materials were developed under a grant awarded by the Michigan Department of Education in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education, Advancement, and Potential.
Tags: CIS, Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Public Schools, STEAM, Think Summer, ThinkSummer!, Western Michigan University
