Summer Classes

2008 Middle School Summer Program Information

Purpose

Our goal is to help students with learning differences use the summer to "catch up" by providing quality instruction in the basic skills of reading, writing, and math. Students choose 2 of 3 subjects. Thematic instruction includes a field trip and lots of fun, activity-based learning. Outstanding parent reviews year after year. The Summer Program will follow the proven methods of Thomas A. Edison High School, guiding and encouraging students with special needs to reach their full potential.

Why summer school?

At Thomas Edison, we are constantly reminded that the middle-school years are critical in determining high school success. The long summer vacation often means that students lose the skills they were developing just as the school year ended. This Summer Program maintains a student’s academic momentum, giving the student a “running start” into the next school year and a taste of high school.

Who may enroll?

The Summer Program is open to any student in the greater Portland area who has learning disabilities; and who is entering 6th, 7th or 8th grade in the fall.

What will the day be like?

Students enroll in two 95-minute classes, with an average of 8 students in each class. A 20-minute break between the classes gives students a chance to socialize, with snacks available for purchase.

When is summer school?

One 5-week Session: July 7 - August 8, 2008.
Monday-Friday, 8:00 am to 12:00 pm

Where is summer school?

The Middle School Summer Program will be held at Thomas A. Edison High School, 9020 SW Beaverton-Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR 97225

What are the fees?

2007 Session Fee: $810
Registration Fee: $100 (applied to tuition)

Deposit is refundable to June 1. Balance of $710 due by June 1, 2008.

How do I register?

Registration is closed for summer 2008. Please visit our website March 1, 2009 to register for summer 2009.

Class Descriptions

The Summer Program will provide basic skill classes taught by certified teachers. The student and his/her family may choose two of the three course offerings.

Math

Students will review the basic arithmetic facts and practice the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division on whole numbers. The teacher will use practical, hands-on math activities to give the student opportunities to attack real life problems and help give abstract math concepts relevancy and connection to the students’ lives. The students will recognize and use assignment tracking. The teacher will attempt to build a bridge between oral instruction, visual models and the concrete understanding of math. The teacher bases instruction on each student’s individual math needs and targets statewide math curriculum goals.

Writing

The objective of the writing class is to give students the tools and strategies necessary to improve and enhance their own writing and develop self-esteem in their own creativity and originality. The student will write one essay and one report in five weeks. Learning strategies will include note taking from research, graphic organizers such as webbing and outlining, and self-monitoring with the use of planners to organize time and micro-manage reports. Student work will be displayed at parent night.

Reading

This class is intended to help the student become a better reader by improving comprehension, vocabulary, fluency, and/or basic decoding. Emphasis in this class will be on developing reading skills and encouraging reading for pleasure and information.

Reading teachers will use a variety of fiction and non-fiction materials at the student’s individual reading level. Writing may also be incorporated into the reading curriculum through the use of outlining and presentation of a book report. Laptop technology and learning strategies will also be taught.

Rights & Responsibilities

Students are expected to work cooperatively with teachers and classmates. We acknowledge individual differences and recognize the need for an educational environment free from disruptive forces. TAE MSSP reserves the right to exclude, at any time, a student whose conduct, influence, or behavior is deemed harmful to the best interests of the program or its participants; or whose financial obligations have not been met. We are limited in our ability to deal with behavioral disabilities during the summer program. Counselors are not on staff during the summer.

We are a closed campus and students will be supervised at all times while on campus. We ask parents to drop their student off no earlier than 7:50 am and pick their student up no later than 12:20 pm. The program assumes no responsibility for students who leave campus.

“The best teacher is… the one who most effectively enables students to believe in their ability to learn.” Norman Cousins

TAE MSSP is an equal opportunity school.