GREENWOOD VILLAGE — What do you get when you mix reading, tae kwondo and crafts?
A unique blend of summer learning and fun that people associated with High Plains Elementary School hope will keep students on track during the down months.
The Summer Stars program was the brainchild of High Plains teacher Sherri Samuels.
About a year ago, she approached principal Lisa Morris about a way to ensure that the students who need the most help didn’t lose their reading skills over summer. They also wanted to guarantee that the kids, who were fed breakfast and lunch during the school year, had plenty to eat while classes weren’t in session.
They brainstormed with others, sought out volunteers and created Summer Stars.
“They lose so much of their reading skills in the summer,” Samuels said. “The challenge is to continue that (reading skills).”
But because the Cherry Creek district school was being renovated, the first-year program had no place to meet.
Enter Angel Aranzamendi, owner of A-Team Taekwondo. He allowed Summer Stars to be held at his gym, off East Arapahoe Road.
On Tuesday, the last day of Summer Stars, about 30 kids brought their backpacks they take home each week with books and sat on the padded floor. Teachers, the principal and South Metro Fire Rescue personnel gathered them in circles and listened to the students read and offered them help.
“We get to read, and there’s juice and milk and something to eat,” said David Garcia, a soon-to-be third-grader who was reading a book called “Big Max and the Mystery of the Missing Giraffe.”
In a corner of the gym, several mothers gathered around a table and put the finishing touches on bulletin boards — made with fabric and ribbon — on which their children could display their accomplishments.
Most of the students do not speak English as their first language. Also, they are on free or reduced-price lunches. The books are donated, and several companies help out financially.
At the end of reading time, Aranzamendi gathered his taekwondo campers and Summer Stars students on the mat for calisthenics and some taekwondo moves.
At the end of the exercise, the students took home donated food and a backpack full of school supplies.
“I just think it’s so important for them to maintain that reading in the summer,” said High Plains teacher Meghan Pothour. “And we’re getting their parents more involved.”
Carlos Illescas: 303-954-1175 or cillescas@denverpost.com
