PPS Opens Enrollment for Summer Dreamers Academy

Pittsburgh Public Schools wants to keep students engaged over summer break and this year–thanks to federal stimulus dollars–they are offering the Summer Dreamers Academy, a literacy camp that aims to give other premier summer camps a run for their money. The camp is open to rising 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders and Project manager Allison McLeod says they held focus groups with hundreds of students to find out what they wanted in a summer camp, and their literacy coordinator poured through books trying to find ones that would fit the bill. McLeod says students will be able to choose between two themes: "McDonald's, Mars and Flying Cars: Spectacular Science" and "Let Your Creative Juices Flow: Exploring the Arts." Mornings focus on reading, discussion and comprehension. And McLeod says they have two curricula to meet students at their literacy level. Afternoons will be geared toward outdoor and creative activities like kayaking, drama, field trips and art. The camp takes place at six sites, is free and runs from July 12 through August 13. The enrollment deadline is May 1. More information can be found at www.pps.k12.pa.us/summercamp.