While the 2017-18 school year will soon come to a close, Niles Community Schools and local community organizations offer programs all year long so students can continue to learn, stay active and be social throughout the summer. The YMCA’s Summer My Way, Lakeland Hospital, Chartwell’s and Niles Public Library partnership are just a couple of ways the district strives to educate and support Niles students beyond the school year.

Summer My Way is a unique opportunity for students to have the summer camp experience right here in Niles — especially for those who otherwise would not be going to summer camps or travelling for summer vacations. Partnering with the YMCA of Southwest Michigan, the Summer My Way program is a six-week program for kindergarten to fifth grade students, offering a wide range of experiences and activities designed to assist in educational, social and physical development. The camp runs from June 25 through Aug. 3 with registration available on the YMCA and Niles Community Schools websites starting May 7.

Taking place at Ring Lardner Middle School this year, the camp also allows sixth through 12th grade students the chance to serve as mentors.  Not surprisingly, many of the student mentors were once camp attendees themselves and some of our past mentors are currently pursuing teaching degrees because of the experiences they had at Summer My Way.

Many of the camp attendees are participants in free or reduced lunch and come from families whose income falls below the poverty line. To provide additional support for these students and families, many community organizations band together to supply essentials. For example, since students in Summer My Way will get a chance to learn how to ride a bicycle, free helmets may be available through donors such as the United Way and others.

Reading will also be an area of focus during Summer My Way. During library pop-up days,  students will receive balanced meals and snacks to ensure they’re well-fed and free books read and take home.

As important as academics are all year round, social and physical activities are, too. Summer My Way allows students to participate in individual sports like Zumba, and team sports like basketball and baseball to keep the students active. In addition to sports, Summer My Way offers social programs like learning how to be a good friend, and how to handle conflict.

At Niles Community Schools, we know families rely on programming not just during the school year but into the summer as well. Helping all students stay mentally and physically nourished in the summer is an important role for our schools and community partners, and we are grateful to all those who make the programs possible.

Dr. Dan Applegate is the superintendent of Niles Community Schools.