Clark County summer school students are showing significantly improved reading abilities following three weeks of work at Shearer Elementary.

According to Cathi Harman, Shearer’s assistant principal who coordinated the summer school, the staff wanted the three weeks to be fun for the group of about 27 students participating. “We called it summer reading camp,” Harman said. “We focused on reading the entire time. They focused on 14 books, each day reading a different book.”

While they read, students took part in crafts, activities and games that were based upon the book of the day. 

The students worked on comprehension, literary skills, writing and bringing their books to life through creative performances, like puppet shows.

“Many times they didn’t even realize they were reading,” Harman said.

The students also studied through Lexia Core 5 software in Shearer’s computer lab. Harman said that the students had taken reading skills tests when summer school began, and a second test Friday at the end of summer school showed marked improvement with students across the board.

This was the second consecutive year Shearer has hosted summer school for all the elementary schools in the district. Harman said that in addition to her, three Shearer teacher, a secretary, nurse and one teacher from Strode Station Elementary took part in organizing the summer school. 

The students received a free breakfast and lunch each weekday during the three weeks from the district’s summer feeding program.