Summertime brings the muchanticipated break for students and teachers, but it is also an incredibly busy time as we prepare for the start of a new school year. Summer academic programs for students began on May 31. Literacy Camp for K-3 graders will continue through June 30 on all of our elementary campuses, and K-4 Enrichment Camp was held June 21-24. Credit recovery for middle and high school students is being held at each campus and runs through mid-July. Enrichment programs through the 21st Century Community Learning Center program are in session on five campuses as well. Teachers and administrators are participating in a wide variety of professional development opportunities to equip them to better meet the needs of their students. Helping our youngest students become
ARTWORKS INTERACTIVE GALLERY
strong readers has always been critically important, and our lower elementary teachers continue to participate in professional development opportunities to strengthen their ability to teach students with reading issues. Professional development in STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) is occurring at all grade levels, with a particular focus on middle schools. Each middle school has a dedicated STEM teacher to provide additional instruction and opportunities for students to pursue their interests in these areas. Robotics teams have been established in elementary and middle schools, allowing students to develop team work and problem solving skills in real-life situations. We are continuing our one-to-one student device initiative involving nearly 11,000 Chromebooks. These devices allow teachers and students to more readily integrate technology into classroom instruction and learning activities as well as help students develop digital citizenship and literacy skills. We are thrilled to announce that the new Redland Middle School is on schedule
Richard Dennis is the Superintendent of Education for Elmore County Schools. He is a 1983 graduate of Holtville High School. He served 21 years as a high school principal at Holtville High, Wetumpka High and most recently, Prattville High. He and wife, Leslie (also an educator) have three sons and a daughter.
Now reopened—ArtWorks is an engaging gallery for all ages, where visitors can connect with art through interactive elements or enjoy the spaces set aside for quiet reading and imaginative play! Learn more and plan your visit at mmfa.org. Blount Cultural Park One Muesum Drive Montgomery, AL 36117
River Region Parents I July 2022
to open for the 2022-2023 school year! Redland Middle will house grades 5-8, and Redland Elementary will become a K-4 school. The new Elmore County Technical Center classroom/lab facility is complete and renovation of the original facility will begin in the near future. The Holtville Child Development Program (HCDP) will move into a new facility on the Holtville Elementary campus in early fall. HCDP currently utilizes four classrooms inside Holtville Elementary; this new facility will free up needed space in the school and allow the program to double its capacity. The start of a new school year is just around the corner, and we look forward to welcoming our new and returning students, faculty, and staff. Enjoy the rest of your summer!
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Open Tuesday–Sunday Free Entry + Parking mmfa.org | @MontgomeryMFA
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