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The 2024 Summer Enrichment programs at GOAL Digital Academy concluded successfully, engaging students across various grades in educational and creative activities. The programming included book clubs, enrichment activities, and academic support, ensuring that students remained intellectually stimulated throughout the summer.
Book Clubs were a success across all grade levels. Book club participants held discussions, and weekly Zooms, fostering a love for reading.
The Robotics Club held three camps in June, introducing students in grades 7-12 to sensors and engineering concepts. Participants built "Clawbots" and completed various challenges in sessions held in GOAL’s Mansfield, Galion, and Marion Learning Labs.
The first-ever GOAL Digital Baking Club was a success. GOAL had 12 participants join staff members at the Galion Lab to make their very own pizzas from scratch. Students were provided with the resources and knowledge needed to follow directions on a recipe, measure out the ingredients, and follow safety procedures in the kitchen. Each student began by following a recipe to make their dough from scratch then added their sauce and toppings for a tasty treat.
Over two offered days in the Delaware and Mansfield Learning labs, students and staff members learned and practiced the basic techniques of Stained Glass including scoring, cutting, and soldering glass. They practiced safely using cutting tools to score and break glass, cut glass with special pliers, and soldered pieces to create designs. Students selected their colors from a variety of glass, resulting in unique creations made by each student. A community partnership and special thank you goes to Vidonish Studios in Lexington, Ohio, for their valuable tips, tricks, and generous donation of glass materials.
GOAL also offered a variety of curriculum-based programs designed to prevent students from regressing in their reading and math abilities during the summer break. Utilizing the iReady online educational platform, this voluntary program created personalized learning paths tailored to each student's needs. These learning paths addressed educational gaps and extended knowledge in areas of strength. Students could earn gift cards as an incentive for lessons completed and passed in reading and math. This summer, 20 students earned gift cards for their success in the program. Additionally, 22 students in grades 4 through 7 completed the rigorous requirement of 20 lessons per week weemath and reading, totaling 100 lessons at their instructional level to advance to the next grade level. To prepare, twelve eighth-grade students completed a Math Bridge Program, reviewing essential math concepts to ensure a smooth transition into high school.
The Credit Recovery Summer School Program was a success with staff mentors reaching out and offering tutoring services. Students were proactive with finishing classes and reaching out to schedule additional options. GOAL had a total of 75 participants enrolled in Credit Recovery and 78.5 credits were earned. Two students even graduated as a result of the program.
“This summer's Credit Recovery program was a truly rewarding experience. I was particularly impressed by the students' motivation, whether it was scheduling Zoom sessions to better grasp the content or reaching out to tutors for support," Credit Recovery teacher JR Burns said. “It was inspiring to see students take accountability for their learning and ensure they were on track to earn their credits. The positive impact of this experience has continued into the school year, with students maintaining their motivation and confidence. Watching a student’s confidence grow as they complete a class is every educator's dream come true!"
For more information about our programs and future initiatives, please visit goaldigital.org.
