Summit Is Better:

Our Technology Advantage

A simple review of the job market will reveal one truth; technology is the way of the future. Before they enter school, children are exposed to electronic devices at a growing rate.

It is becoming more common for toddlers to play on tablets before they even utter their first word. In a world where technology is everywhere, our young ones must become equipped with the knowledge of how to handle it, problem solve with it, and use it to create.

At Summit Academy, we strive to make sure our students are at the forefront of the technology curve. This does not just mean providing them with access to laptops and iPads, but having our teachers use them to instruct in the classroom. We want our students to be able to learn concepts in class the same way they will learn them in the workforce; through the use of technology.

One of the steps we have taken to accomplish is this is forming a 3D lab for our students. Through the use of this technology, students are able to visualize concepts that they were previously only able to read about or see in videos. As an example, instead of just learning about the human eye through a picture, our 3D lab allows students to play with a virtual eye, remove the different layers with their hands, turn it around and really see every part of it as if they were holding an actual eyeball. When students are able to learn about math and science concepts in this manner, it increases their curiosity and love for science and math, a necessary foundation for a career in the sciences or technology.

Currently, Summit Academy is one of two school districts in Michigan that gives students the opportunity to learn in a 3D computer lab. Yet another reason why Summit is not just a great choice for your child, it’s the best choice.

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Project Term and Graduation Reminder

Project Term is Here!

During the last week of school, the students at Summit Academy North Middle School will have the wonderful opportunity to enjoy a class focused on various fun and exciting topics and complete a project during the week long course.

Some of the courses offered will be:

+ The History of Basketball

+ Cryptozoology

+ Talent Show Production

Be sure to talk to your child about the course they will be taking and the course project. It is a very exciting time for both our students and our teachers!

Graduation is on June 15^th

The 8^th grade graduation ceremony will be held on June 15^th at 6:30 in the Peak. Please plan accordingly and contact us with any questions prior to the date.

 

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Summer Reading Suggestions for Our Middle Schoolers

Our middle schoolers may be getting a break from school soon, but reading should never take a vacation.

As parents, it is crucial that you encourage your child to read throughout the year and build their comprehension as much as possible. Summit Academy Middle School strives to exceed the educational standards for public schools and by pushing our students to dive into reading, we are able to help them exceed expectations as well.

Here are 4 books that will be enjoyable and beneficial to you and your middle schoolers this summer

Bud, Not Buddy
Christopher Paul Curtis has a story telling ability that allows young students to understand social and political issues in a way that is relatable and enjoyable for them. Bud, Not Buddy follows a young boy from Flint, Michigan who sets out on an adventure to search for his father in the depression era.

The Witch of Blackbird Pond
Author Elizabeth George Speare successfully gets her readers to think about the issue of religious freedom while telling the story of Kit, a young girl who relocates from Barbados to a puritan village during colonial times.

The Watsons Go to Birmingham ­
Another gem by Christopher Paul Curtis, The Watsons Go To Birmingham focuses on a family dealing with racial issues during the civil rights era. Parents will find this to be a great read for 6^th and 7^th graders.

The Wednesday Wars ­­
This novel does a great job of showing life from a middle schooler’s perspective during a tense time in American history. As everyone else is forced to take religious classes, Holling Hoodhood must spend his Wednesday afternoons learning the plays of Shakespeare.  Students will find this Vietnam War era novel lighthearted, even as it touches on deep social issues.

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Setting Limits over Summer Break

The Goal: The majority of school age children anticipate summer vacation. The long summer days, less packed schedules, and good weather make it an ideal time for fun with family and friends. As a parent, providing your child with a lively summer, while still maintaining your routine is ideal.

The Challenge: When school lets out for the summer, students are experiencing a new sense of freedom.  Without needing to get up early each morning, the idea of staying out late and going to be whenever they feel like seems exciting. Getting your child to remain structured and focused during the summer may seem impossible.

What to Do:  While students may have less responsibility during the summer, the reality is that parents often do not have any relief from their normal schedules. In fact, having your child home for the summer can often add more things on your plate. Without setting proper limits for your child, it can be easy for things to get out of hand during the summer.

The best way to set limits for your child during the summer is to stick to a routine. No, this would not be the same one that you had during the school year, but keeping some basic things in place can help everyone know what is expected. Since the days are longer, contemplate setting a new curfew for your child. This will allow them to make the most of those sunny evenings while still having a set end to their day. Along with this, come up with a new bedtime and make sure they stick to it each night. Doing so during the summer will provide your child with an easy transition back into the school year.

Setting limits also involves discussing the amount of time your child is allowed to spend on tablets, phones, watching TV, and other electronic devices. It can be tempting to let your child use their increased free time to play games and sit around the house on devices. However, it is important to encourage your child to spend time outside and engaging in activities that they may not get to enjoy during winter and fall.

Regardless of what your summer routine consists of, it important that one is established. Keeping a routine and setting limits all year round will make both your family life and your child’s academic career much more successful.

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Learning Activities for Family Road Trips

There is nothing quite like taking summer road trips with your family. Still, long drives have a way of making kids and parents alike feel squirrelly, bored, and even a little annoyed.

Whether your family is driving for 3 hours or 20 hours, planning activities that encourage learning on the road can make your drive fun and engaging while you look forward to your destination.

Below are 4 activities that are sure to make your road trip a fun experience.

1. Listen to Audio Books
   Reading in the car does not always agree with everyone, but listening to a story can be enjoyable for the whole family. Not only do audiobooks prevent your kids from watching a screen during the entire drive, they can also encourage a family discussion about the books you listen to. For summer reading suggestions, contact Summit Academy North Middle School or visit your local library.
2. Landmark Bingo
   This one will take a bit of prep work. Research the route that you will be taking on your trip and make note of any landmarks you will come across. Plan out a bingo sheet, or even just a list of the landmarks. Give each child and passenger the sheet along with some stickers, and have them place a sticker next to each landmark they see.
3. Quiz Cards
   Gather questions that will help your child review what they learned during the school year and make little quiz card for each child. Be sure to make an answer key for yourself. Provide prizes based on the number questions they answer correctly and how many quiz cards they complete.
4. Vocab Word Search
   Reach out to your child’s teacher or look online for vocabulary words your child learned during the year or that they should be familiar with based on their age. There are several websites that will allow you to put in your own vocab words and generate a word search sheet. Offer prizes if your child is able to define the words they find.

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MEET OUR STAFF & STUDENTS

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