While summer may still seem far away, it will be here before we know it.
As we enter the final months of the school year, I would like to take a moment to remind parents of two opportunities available through Niles Community Schools to build life-long learners: kindergarten and Summer My Way.
Both programs are essential to the future development of the community’s children, as each offers students the chance to build and strengthen the knowledge base that will prepare them for future success.
Niles is truly a great place to learn and live. One program that perfectly illustrates this point is Summer My Way, a partnership between various service organizations focused on child development.
Local organizations have partnered for four years to bring a summer of fun learning activities to elementary students throughout the community and this summer will be no different.
In addition to offering elementary learners days filled with fun and challenging activities, Summer My Way provides middle school students with an amazing opportunity to build their leadership skills by serving as mentors to the young ones. We are very fortunate to have strong leadership and staff at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA who spend countless hours fundraising and coordinating the activities for participants.
Other organizations, including Niles Community Schools, Niles District Library, Michigan State University Extension, Lakeland, and United Way provide resources and facilities to ensure a well-rounded curriculum is offered.
Since its inception, more than 1,000 students in the past three years have participated in the Summer My Way program and with help from generous donors, we hope to continue to provide this program for many more years to come.
In addition to this positive summer learning program that keeps children engaged and minds active, Niles Community Schools features an exceptional kindergarten program that prepares students for a lifetime of educational success. Early childhood education is the foundation for a lifelong love of learning, which is why I encourage parents of kindergarten age children to attend our next registration session on at 1:30 p.m. April 14 at Northside Child Development Center.
However, children can be enrolled anytime at any elementary school during the school year and at the Westside administration building throughout the summer. Children who are five years of age on or before December 1, 2017 are eligible to enroll.
Student success is at the heart of our community and Niles Community Schools has a wealth of resources available to benefit students and families.
As the summer approaches and we begin to think about the next school year, I encourage parents to explore these programs and how they might benefit their children. Both programs help to shape the future of our learners and provide the building blocks for lifelong learning and a lifetime of success. Go Vikings!
For more information on Summer My Way, contact Robin Hadrick (robin.hadrick@nilesschools.org) or Denise Peters (dpeters@nb-ymca.com).
If you have any questions regarding kindergarten registration, please contact Dr. Zech Hoyt (zech.hoyt@nilesschools.org).

Dr. Dan Applegate is the Superintendent of Niles Community Schools