Summer Academy gives participants boost in reading, math

Posted by: Debbie Bowley on Fri, 22 July 2005 14:41:59

By Dirk Perrefort, July 18, 2005
©2005CONNECTICUT POST (Used with permission)

MILFORD - Remena Blank didn't know that learning could also be fun until she attended Lauralton Hall's Summer Academy. 

"This is a great school," the 11-year-old Bridgeport girl said last week. "I'm learning and still having fun at the same time. I never knew that was possible before."
       Betzabe Salvatierra, 11, of West Haven, said the four-week academy program has helped to improve both her reading and math skills.
       "The teachers get to spend a lot more time with us than I'm used to," Betzabe said. "They've helped me a lot with things I didn't understand before."
       Chris Ring, the program's director, said the academy, now in its third year, gives opportunities to city children while diversifying the school's population.
       "Some kids from the inner cities don't have all the advantages that some other children might have," Ring said. "The academy provides an opportunity for the students to continue their learning and sharpen their skills before they return to the regular school year."
       She added that Lauralton Hall is also committed to diversifying its own enrollment, with the aim of introducing the school to inner-city students through the summer program.
       "If we don't show some students Lauralton Hall, many may not even realize that we exist," Ring said, adding that three of the girls who attended last year's Summer Academy have applied to attend the school full time.
       Lauralton officials hope to continue the free program in the future, although the program so far has been financed through a three-year grant from the Sisters of Mercy. Next year, the grant is slated to run out.
       "We are looking at various options to raise money so the academy can continue," said Ring, noting the program costs about $30,000 a year. "It's been a wonderful program for both the school and the students."
       Yanique Wright, 12, of New Haven, agreed. "Everyone here is really focused on their studies," said Yanique, who is considering attending Lauralton Hall "The teachers have a lot of patience and really take the time to explain things to you.”They even participate in games that we play. The school feels like one big family."