Teachers take start of school to students

August 24, 2005 - Maplewood Elementary School teachers use vacant apartment to get neighborhood children ready for school.

See this story tomorrow morning (Aug. 25) sometime between 7-9 a.m. on KING 5 TV’s sister station KONG 6/16.

Teachers throughout the Renton School District know the importance of students coming to school ready to learn. Each year some students return from summer break having lost some of the academic skills they had gained during the previous school year. Re-entry into school for these children is difficult because they have spent the summer outside of the school routine, and have had limited opportunities for reading and writing.
Many schools plan activities, conduct home visits or offer other opportunities to help students start the school year with confidence, sharpened skills and adequate supplies.
Teachers at Maplewood Heights Elementary School wanted to do more to help students begin the new school year motivated and ready to begin where they left off, so they created the “Get Ready for School” program.

The teachers contacted management at local Maplewood Park Apartments and set up a classroom in a vacant apartment to offer refresher lessons. Teachers, along with volunteers, provided academic programs for students in kindergarten through fifth grade. They brought books, teaching materials, and school supplies for the more than 40 families who live in the complex. First-grade teacher Gary Sampson, who led the efforts, speaks fluent Spanish, and also acted as an interpreter to translate for family members who speak only Spanish.

Students were involved in reading, writing and math activities. They created posters with math facts; used math vocabulary, phonics and writing tips; used paper geometric pattern blocks to make designs and more.

Additionally, teachers made home visits to provide families with a basket of school supplies, student dictionaries and other items they can use throughout the year.