Exciting Summer Options: From the Superintendent’s Seat
by Dr. Carole G. Hankin with Randi T. Sachs

The start of spring is a signal for parents that summer is right around the corner, and it’s time to finalize plans for how those summer vacation months will be spent. Fortunately, each summer there seems to be more and more choices, and with a little ingenuity you can plan a summer that will satisfy both you and your children, and will ensure that your child will continue to learn even when school is out.

While eight-week sleep-away and day camp programs best suit many families, others are finding that they like the option of varying their child’s programs, and they no longer have to deal with as many restrictions or penalties as they have in the past. Many camps are offering the flexibility for you to sign your child to as many weeks as you choose, rather than holding fast to the four- or eight-week standards. Although camps may not volunteer that information, you should feel free to request that they accommodate your schedule, even if it means rewording the registration form.

Aside from general recreation camps, there are numerous programs that offer children the opportunity to focus on their interests or talents. Look beyond the camp descriptions to see what programs are being offered by your schools, museums, parks, colleges and universities, athletic organizations, and even neighboring school districts. Perhaps the theater or dance program that wouldn’t fit into your child’s schedule during the school year has summer classes. Science programs can appeal even to reluctant students when they include such activities as nature exploration or rocket launching. You may find that selecting two or three different, shorter programs will make your child’s summer more exciting than staying in one program for two months.

Ask your child about what he or she would like to accomplish or explore this summer. Take advantage of the school vacation to take up a second musical instrument (or a first instrument for the second time). Often, school districts offer free music programs.

You should also carefully consider whether your child should use the summer months to improve academic skills, based on his or her school performance. If summer school is not the best option, look for a recreational camp that also offers academic coaching, or speak to the director of the camp your child has previously attended to see if he or she is willing to make arrangements for on-camp tutoring sessions.

Older children who see summer as a time to earn money should be encouraged to consider doing an internship or volunteer program that will enhance their college applications in just a few short years. Parents may choose to “subsidize” such programs to make up for the missed earnings.

While you are planning your options for the summer, be sure to schedule in some free time for you and your children. If your family work schedule requires that school-age children be busy every day of the week, try to leave several weekends open for true relaxation, even if it means declining an occasional social invitation.

The summer will fly by fast. Take the time now to find out about the many different programs your child might enjoy. With perseverance and determination you can design a summer program that will truly answer your family’s needs and create some wonderful memories for your children to draw on for many years.

Dr. Hankin is superintendent of Syosset Central School District. Randi Sachs is Public Information Officer of Syosset Schools.

Education Update, Inc., P.O. Box 20005, New York, NY 10001. Tel: (212) 481-5519. Fax: (212) 481-3919. Email: ednews1@aol.com.
All material is copyrighted and may not be printed without express consent of the publisher. © 2001.