This experience offered fun, hands-on activities and lessons that helped students with their learning progress and bolstered their strong foundations. This three-week program spanned subjects such as STEM and art and kept students active with yoga and other activities.

Older students worked on math problems during their time in the program
Younger students learned about letters and sounds, ensuring they master the basics of reading before they jump into books, and in older grades, students built up their math skills.
Summer Enrichment Coordinator Faye Guidry shared that they infused outdoor learning, as well. Students learned how plants grow and were able to take their very own plant home with them.
With these smaller class sizes, students made connections with each other and grew foundational life skills through these everyday interactions. Thanks to this time for relationship-building and the learning they did each day, students had a well-rounded experience.

Younger students worked on foundational reading skills
Guidry added that students saw the benefits, and said the program will help them in the new school year, which is right around the corner.
“Summer Enrichment provides our scholars with opportunities to strengthen their academic skills, build relationships, and discover that learning can be both meaningful and fun,” Guidry said. “It has been rewarding to watch our students grow in confidence while continuing to level up throughout the summer.”
Because of engagement opportunities like the Summer Enrichment Learning Program, it’s no surprise Willow caught the eye of state education leadership as one of the state’s top schools.

It was still an active time, as students had plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the summer weather
Students will be ready to continue this momentum and maintain the school’s standards on Willow’s first day, Monday, Aug. 10.
Way to go, Willow students and Mrs. Guidry! Keep up the great work in the new school year!
About Willow Charter Academy
Willow Charter Academy is a tuition-free, public charter school in Lafayette, Louisiana, serving students in kindergarten 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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