Summer school draws record numbers

By Mark Johnson

The Raytown School District’s 2008 summer school session had a record enrollment of more than 5,700 students on the first day of classes with an ending enrollment of close to 4,700 students.

“It was extremely successful,” Michelle Hofmann, director of extended learning, said of the session, which ended July 3.

There were also close to 3,900 students who received incentives for outstanding attendance, academic performance and citizenship, Hofmann said. The incentives included school supplies, Blockbuster cards and gift cards.

Superintendent Dr. Allan Markley said summer school provides students multiple benefits, giving them the opportunity to take courses that aren’t available during the regular school year while also bringing some students up to speed who may have slipped behind.

“We know retention is gained through repetition,” he said.

Markley also cited the benefit that comes each fall with having students more prepared for their new course of study.

Students in summer school at the elementary and early secondary levels took core academic and exploratory courses.

Hofmann said Movie Maker, CSI, French Fries Are Not French!, Orienteering and Gobble Up Math! were among the more popular offerings this summer.

She noted there were also three musicals offered, which parents were able to attend.

At the high schools, students took courses for first-time and recovery credit.

Among the courses offered at the high school was driver’s education, which was taught just in the classroom with teachers and online resources.

“We had just about the same enrollment in this course as we did last year, including waiting lists,” Hofmann said.

She added that the course, in addition to providing the basics, addressed important issues for today’s teens learning to drive.

Raytown Editor Mark Johnson can be reached at 358-6397 or mjohnson@npgco.com.