For five weeks, select students from kindergarten through seventh grade participated in the Summer Learning Program, diving into hands-on activities and academic support designed to spark curiosity and confidence.
Each morning, students gathered in small groups for focused math and reading instruction. With smaller class sizes, teachers could really connect with every child. “The possibilities of growth are endless,” said Rebecca Thomas, a sixth-grade teacher at Walker. “It’s amazing to work with a smaller group. We can really lean into their individual struggles and then watch them blossom and grow. I’m 100% confident they’ll return to school this fall on a whole new level.”
Fifth-grade teacher Jill Steffens agreed, adding that the summer program, often referred to as summer school, has a different vibe from the regular school year. “That’s one of the secrets of Walker Charter Academy, a lot of kids don’t know summer school is not bad,” Steffens said. “It’s a little more chill than regular school. There aren’t as many assessments, we go on field trips, and I try to play educational games whenever I can.”
Students at Walker Charter Academy participating in a Lego Challenge for their STEM Project.
Afternoons were packed with creative enrichment sessions such as STEM projects, literature adventures, LEGO challenges, and even problem-solving escape rooms.
Steffens emphasized how important extra time in the classroom is for maintaining academic momentum. “It’s a chance for them to hold on to the progress that they’ve made by doing something educational for five weeks instead of just staring at a screen.”
Learning didn’t stop in the classroom. Students headed out on free field trips to places like the Van Andel Institute, where they explored robotics and coding, the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, where they learned about civic responsibility, and the Air Zoo, where aviation history came alive.
Thomas recalled one unforgettable Air Zoo moment: “Their eyes got so big. I told them, ‘Come here, come see this!’ They had a replica of the B2 bomber and other aircraft. The kids were climbing the stairs to get a closer look and going crazy. Their worlds opened up in an instant.”
Students gathering school supplies for their back-to-school backpacks.
Steffens also praised the growing program, saying, “We have really stepped up our game in the past few years and done a stronger job of what we offer for kids. I think the addition of the field trips has been part of that. It’s just been good.”
These trips did more than wow students, they planted seeds for the future. “I just try to inspire them to think about education and a bigger life,” said Thomas. “When you can sneak in learning while they’re having fun, that’s a double win.”
There was even a bonus! Every student left the summer program ready for fall with free school supplies and books. On the first day, each child got a brand-new backpack. Every day, they added something new like pencils, notebooks, or crayons until they were fully stocked. Plus, each week, they brought home a new book to grow their personal libraries.
Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Summer Learning Program’s creator, Dean of Intervention and Special Education Hillarie Huskins, this summer tradition has been a part of the school’s programming for nearly 10 years.
Students working on reading skills during the Summer Learning Program.
Over the years Huskins has expanded the Summer Learning Program through grant funding, tailoring it to support students identified through assessments and teacher recommendations. The program provides these students with the personalized attention they need to build confidence and succeed in the upcoming school year.
With a mix of academics, enrichment, and real-world experiences, this year’s Summer Learning Program ensured that students walked away not only prepared for school but inspired to keep learning all year long.
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About Walker Charter Academy
Walker Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Walker, Mich., serving students in Young 5s through eighth grade. It is part of the National Heritage Academies (NHA®) network, which includes more than 100 tuition-free, public charter schools serving more than 65,000 students in kindergarten through high school across nine states. For more information, visit nhaschools.com.
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