ORLANDO, Fla. – Without exposure to reading, math and science over the summer, students can regress in their hard-earned achievements during the school year.
To help combat that loss, one Orange County school is trying something new. At Shingle Creek Elementary School, about 200 students enjoyed Panda Express Camp.
For four weeks, the kids focused on six areas of study: math, reading, science, chess, character education and drama.
"Our teacher, Mrs. Smith, teaches all about life and decisions. There's going to be a good or bad consequence," said Giana Constant, a fourth-grader.
"Character Education is just life lessons. We talked about personal space, responsibility, perseverance, things our kids need to know every day," Principal Jennifer Schafer said. "But during the summer, we have extra time to teach those skills."
Educators hope the camp gives the kids an added boost in their personal development and the new school year.
The program was such a success, officials are planning to try to offer it for two full months next summer.
The program was made possible with Title I funds that the school saved.