10 Ways Parents Can Plan for Upcoming School Year During the Summer
Throughout the school year and during the summer, you may already be thinking about the upcoming school year and how you and your student can best prepare for the next grade level. At Enlightium, we have several opportunities and activities we recommend to students and their parents/guardians for how your family can best prepare for the upcoming year during the summer months.
1. Preview Next Year Calendar
Preview next year’s calendar. We know that many families want to plan a vacation, coordinate days off with their job, or be aware of major deadlines; looking at the calendar in advance can help you prepare for your family’s needs over the next school year. At Enlightium, we also recommend that you print a copy of the year’s calendar and place it near your student’s work space to help them be aware of important dates and learn time management skills. If you know of a planned absence, you can fill out the absence form on our website.
2. Check Your Email and Download Parents App
Check your email and download the Enlightium Parents app. Even though school is out for the summer, you will still hear from us! This is how we will communicate with you about important dates, enrollment information, course scheduling, and more. Be sure to check your email and open the app periodically throughout the summer months so that you do not miss important information!
3. Consider Joining or Starting a Co-op
Consider joining or starting a co-op. If you enjoy Enlightium Academy but wish you felt more connected to other families and students, check out our Alliance Program or consider starting one in your area. Co-ops can provide students with additional support from on-site adults as well as a community of their peers. They are also valuable for parents as they provide a support network of other families enrolled at Enlightium.
4. Find a Field Trip
Find a field trip. There are many ways to keep your student’s mind engaged even during the summer! One way to do this is by taking educational field trips; Enlightium even offers extra credit toward the upcoming year for completing a report about the experience. This could include visiting museums and factories, attending a local play or performance, going to a local animal exhibit such as a zoo or aquarium, spending a day in a craft course, and more! If you are uncertain about field trip opportunities in your area, use this Field Trip Directory to help.
5. Keep Reading
Keep reading! Another way you can help your family be prepared for the next grade level is to continue reading throughout the summer. This can give your student a chance to improve their reading level and read material they might not normally get to read as a part of their coursework. Similar to our field trip extra credit, Enlightium offers a reading program where students can earn additional credit toward the upcoming school year by reading and reporting on a book of their choice that is at or above their current grade level. Enlightium Academy students also have access to our eLibrary during the summer so that they can read online even if they don’t have access to other materials!
6. Keep Writing
Keep writing! 6th-12th graders are invited to participate in our Student Spotlight program. Each month, students are given a writing prompt or a chance to submit a previous work for a chance to be published online! Not only do they get to sharpen their written communication skills, but they can also gain valuable experience working with an Enlightium teacher to edit their work if they are selected for the month.
7. Preview Social Opportunities
Preview social opportunities. Enlightium is proud to provide a myriad of opportunities for students to connect with their peers regardless of distance. Student Social Activities include, but are not limited to, Spelling Bees, Bible Studies, Math Olympics, Book Clubs, and a Pen Pal Program. Families who participate in at least one of our social activities have reported feeling more connected despite physical distance!
8. Consider Volunteering
Consider volunteering. Community service is a great way to spend time as a family and teach non-academic skills including social, emotional, and physical skills. Volunteering is also a way for your student to get experience in a field that interests them while giving back to their local community. If your student is in or heading into high school, keep in mind that they will be required to complete at least ten community service hours. For more information about community service requirements, see our website.
9. Preview Enlightium Programs
Preview Enlightium Programs. In addition to social opportunities, Enlightium provides a Mission Program to help students learn about or prepare for vocational ministry. With this program, high school students have the opportunity to work one-on-one with experienced professionals as well as become more involved in ministry in their area. Students may also qualify for the National Honors Society or National Junior Honor Society.
10. Take a Break
Take a break. Preparing for the next school year is important, but it is especially important to set aside intentional time for rest during the summer months. In Psychology Today’s article “Rest for Success: How Downtime Aids Your Biological Intelligence,” sleep researcher Matthew J. Edlund reflects on the idea “that it [the human body] often does best with intense activity followed by equally ‘intense’ rest.” The Bible also teaches the importance of rest and the principle of Sabbath for our physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Psalm 116:7 encourages us in this way: “Return, O my soul, to your rest; for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you.” As you prepare for the upcoming school year, remember that the Lord has created us to need rest and restoration!
If you have any questions about any of our programs, guidelines, or suggestions, feel free to contact the school at (866) 488-4818 option 2 or chat with a representative on our website.
References:
- Edlund, Matthew J. “Rest for Success: How Downtime Aids Your Biological Intelligence.” Psychology Today, 21 May 2017, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-power-rest/201705/rest-success. Accessed 18 May 2021.
- The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. Crossway, 2011.
