Summer Learning Program Builds Self-Esteem

By Deena Ledesma, parent and teacher

As a parent and teacher in the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD), I can tell you that I have been delighted with the summer program offered at Lewis Middle School by the district and THINK Together. I know what solid programs look like; I teach in grades K-2 and have a master’s in special education, as well as two additional teaching credentials in progress.  I couldn’t be a bigger advocate for this program based on just the experiences my son, Adam, has had in his first week. 

Adam isn’t like other students his age.  A gifted and talented student, he is articulate and extremely goal oriented.  In fact, he and I are currently training for a half marathon!  Adam wasn’t enthusiastic about attending summer school.  Our pact was that he would attend for one day and then we’d render a decision that was best for him.  From that first day, he was hooked!  In fact, on the first day, I asked one of the THINK Together staff, “How did Adam do?”  She replied with a big smile, “Adam is a wonderful child.”  When Adam heard that, he beamed.  Because of Adam’s experiences at Lewis Middle, he asked that I have him transferred there this fall. 

Each night, Adam is full of excitement about what he has learned in the academic portion of the program.  He’s told me that what he likes best about the program is that the staff make learning fun and memorable. His favorite time at school each day is spent in clubs, in which the students analyze music and films and produce their own original work.  In fact, he was busy working on the plot of a movie last week and is eager to get it finished!

As a parent, I appreciate that the program is structured and well organized with a wide range of activities for students.  As a parent of a gifted child, this is very important for my son because he bores easily and needs constant challenges.  As a goal oriented student, Adam thrives when he is tasked with putting all of his creative energy into producing his best quality work.  I like that this program gives students many hands-on learning experiences that have broad application. 

For instance, we had a very thoughtful discussion the other night about the music club and Rapp music.  By analyzing the lyrics of some songs, he realized that not all Rapp music is bad.  And, he was impressed that the program gave students the opportunity to examine lyrics of popular songs and express their opinions. This is a very different process for him, as he is transitioning to middle school this fall and was previously attending an elementary school.  This one exercise opened his perspective and helped him to realize that you can’t “judge a book by its cover.”  A simple, life-long lesson taught through a hands-on example.

As a teacher, I appreciate that the program is based on the state standards and is structured through the collaboration of fellow credentialed teachers and staff from THINK Together who are committed to giving students a memorable summer experience.

My thanks to the Walmart Foundation for their vision to support programs like this one.  Our students need more excellent programs like the one that Lewis Middle School and THINK Together are running in our local community.