When the Douglas County School District made the decision to only offer hybrid learning this year, it left many working parents scrambling. So South Suburban Parks and Recreation saw a way to help by extending their summer camp program into the fall.
“We just saw the need and wanted to provide a service to the community that would be beneficial to everybody,” said Jessica Skiera, family services coordinator for South Suburban Parks and Recreation.
School Dayz is currently being offered at the Lone Tree Recreation Center. Most of the students are in the Douglas County School District, but South Suburban is ready to open the Goodson Recreation Center in Centennial if other schools or districts in the area have to close.
“Most kids are coming two or three days a week, and we let them get on their zoom calls and help with their paper homework,” said Skiera.
They also have backup equipment and computers, and counselors to help the kids with their homework.
Those days don’t look like a typical school day for the attendees. For one thing, the ages range from kindergarten to seventh grade. At recess, all the kids get together for games on the playground.
“The little ones are really fun to play with and they’re really energetic,” said Cresthill Middle School student Gavin Solkin.
Most of the kids admitted they’re eager to return to full time school. Fifth grader Jake Brehmer said he misses his teacher, and his regular classmates.
Skiera says there are still openings available for School Dayz. It runs Aug. 17-Dec. 18.
Tuition:
• 2 days a week (M, W or Tu, Th): $1,184R/$1,504
• 3 days per week (M, W, F or Tu, Th, F): $1,776R/$2,256
• 5 days per week: $2,660R/$3,460