Summer Programs 2012
Summer Adventures and Childcare at Stepping Stones!

This summer, we will pilot two new summer programs:

1)    Quality Full Time Childcare in a Montessori learning environment for students whose families must work in the summer through a full-time childcare program from Mondays to Fridays.  Includes a four hour theme based mini-camp on Wednesdays.

2)    Summer Learning Adventures!  This program will provide a checkpoint to augment your child’s summer learning. This program will take place once per week on Wednesdays  and will be a focused learning opportunity for those enrolled in the childcare program and/or others who want to take part.

Details about Quality Childcare
For those needing full time childcare in the summer (#1 above), Jess Gray (Miss Jess) will be the main teacher and Jennifer Polley (Auntie) will be covering Fridays.  There will be only one teacher at a time with a back-up person on call if needed, so we must limit the enrollment of the childcare to 7 students, ages 3-12.

Enrollment Priorities for Full Time Childcare Program
First Priority:   currently enrolled students needing full day childcare for most weeks of the summer.Second Priority:  currently enrolled students needing less than full day childcare, or needing only part of the summer.
Third Priority:      new enrollees needing full time care for most weeks of the summer
Fourth Priority:   currently enrolled students or new enrollees needing occasional care in the summer  
Due to staff limitations, we will not enroll children who need behavioral assistance.

Hours and Weeks
At this point, we expect childcare hours to be from 8 am to 5pm. 
Childcare will start on Monday, June 25th, and go through Friday, August 24th. 

Cost
The full-time cost for the nine weeks is listed below.  If you select full time childcare, you may choose not to utilize all the available hours and weeks, but we must charge for them.  For part time slots we will prorate the time depending on the amounts of time requested.

Full Time Price if program goes to 5pm, 9weeks        $1600               $800/mo  Deposit of $360 due upon sign up.

*Price includes at least 6 weeks’ participation for those age 5 and up in a Four Hour Mini-Camp (part of Summer Learning Adventures, below) on Wednesdays

Details about Summer Learning Adventures  In 2010, Time magazine published a compelling piece about the value of utilizing summer time to extend children’s learning and avoid an achievement gap.  This achievement gap can happen when children have too much free time in the summer, especially unsupervised and/or filled with electronics.  Although many variables, such as family time, impacted the achievement of the students studied, it was clear that some children take a step back in the summer while others move ahead in their cognitive development.  Over many summers, this gap adds up to many years’ difference in achievement.  Especially when a child is behind in any areas, even small amounts of learning time improve achievement.  Check out the article, “The Case Against Summer Vacation” at  www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2115863-5,00.html. 
Not that we don’t love summer vacation! Hehehee!

  Four-Hour Wednesday Mini Camp (theme based)                         
 Cost for each Wednesday for these 9:30-1:30 only will be $25
           Free bonus for those age 5 and up enrolled in Summer Childcare

We propose to provide a checkpoint for families and to augment your child’s summer learning experiences.  On at least six Wednesdays, we will do a mini-camp for those enrolled in the childcare program (who will already have lots of learning!) and open up enrollment to any other students.  During this time, we will have a summer camp-type theme with embedded learning (hands on science, art, geography, math, etc).  Your child may come to any and all of these days from 9:30-1:30.  Unlimited enrollment.  Minimum of 4 children beyond the childcare enrollees is necessary to cover staff costs; if it looks like enrollment is too low, we will notify you about a week in advance. To enroll, email  the school or call 446-4415.  If enrolling later than a week in advance, check to  make sure the camp is still happening by emailing cgervais@roadrunner.com or missjencousins@yahoo.com.

Summer Camp (9:30-1:30) Possible Themes
Life on a Farm                      Space                         Nature Camp             
Ancient Cultures                   Harry Potter                Pippi Longstocking
Survival Camp                      Lego Building             Hands-on Science

Full Day Wednesday Summer Adventures You may elect  to have your child to stay all day on a Wednesday. If so, this is the schedule.

8:30 to 9:30 Individualized Summer Skill Review (basically small group tutoring with fun elements added).  We will  also give your child individualized homework assignments that keeps him or her on track for starting school in the fall. The assignment can be returned at the next Summer Learning Adventure Day. 
9:30-1:30  All ages take part in Summer Theme Camp (see above), includes lunchtime, theme mini-camp included in full time childcare fee
1:30 to 4pm, Afternoon Explorations, we will have some free outdoor time, delve into an individualized interest area, and share a personal talent with the group (optional).

For the whole day on a Wednesday, the cost is $50 per child. 
For those in Summer Childcare, afternoon participation is $15 (K and up only)

Each Wednesday afternoon at least 3 of the following choices will be available for “interest area explorations”

Summer Afternoon Adventures (1:30-4) for K and up
Gardening/Horticulture (maintaining a school garden)             
Excursions to Arboretum or nearby swimming     
Animal Husbandry              
Singing in Harmony        
Recording in Mike’s studio        
Creative Writing    
Painting      
Literature Circles             
Ecology

Contact Us  for more information or to sign up for any of the programs on this page.
Download Summer Registration Form

Summer Tutoring Services
Please call the school at 626-5550 to speak with Carrie Gervais if you are interested in Summer Tutoring Services for your child. All tutoring services are open to children in pre-K through grade 8 who currently attend Stepping Stones, as well as children from public, other private, or homeschooling backgrounds. Tutoring Services are by appointment only and are held throughout the summer. Only $30 per hour, plus group, same family, and multiple hour discounts.