Here are the stats. The academy draws 835 students from 16 schools to five school sites. Sixty-five teachers provide personalized attention to help students develop a deeper sense of numbers and mathematical concepts. Students work on number sense, problem solving, measurement, and probability and statistics.

“The Summer Literacy and Math Academy works to build confidence and skill in our students,” said Charlotte Pellens, SLMA coordinator. “We meet the students where they are academically and move them along the path of learning. When they return to school in the fall they are better equipped with more skill in math computation and problem solving.”

The focus on baseball keeps kids cheering. Daily morning assemblies have students on their feet singing the “National Anthem” and “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Physical challenges, such as running bases and kicking soccer goals, bring exercise into the day. Classes, named after baseball teams, compete for high scores in attendance. This year local businesses and the VSD Foundation provided funding for sports-related incentives including day passes to swimming pools, athletic clubs, ice skating rinks, and miniature golf.

Every student is a winner in SLMA. Smaller class sizes provide more personalized attention. “It’s a relaxed and cozy environment,” said teacher Janis Cloakey, who taught a fourth-grade summer class at Roosevelt Elementary School. “I see kids regain confidence as learners. Even though it’s a short period of time, the kids make huge gains. It’s amazing.”