District 128 to launch new summer program

Libertyville-Vernon Hills Area High School District 128 officials plan to launch a special summertime program for incoming freshmen who need help preparing for high school.

Dubbed the Incoming Freshman Academy, the effort -- set to launch in June -- will focus on strengthening the students' reading, English and math skills, officials said.

"Our goal is to help at-risk students achieve and learn, and offering the academy is one more step toward helping those students begin their high school experience ready to learn," District 128 Director of Curriculum and Instruction Deborah Larson said in a news release.

Participation will be free to the students. Bus service will be provided, too.

The effort, approved by the school board last week, was developed by a district reading committee and a special committee formed specifically for such a project.

District 128 officials will use the results of assessment tests given to eighth-graders at local feeder schools to identify incoming freshmen who may have trouble meeting high school standards.

About 80 selected students are expected to attend the seven-week summer program.

Some students who speak English as a second language will be part of the group, but the program won't be limited to such teens, District 128 spokeswoman Mary Todoric said.

Participants will work on academics, learn proper study and time-management skills, work in groups consisting of students from various backgrounds and become familiar with the facilities at both District 128 campuses.

Those teens who successfully meet the attendance requirements and show academic achievement can earn classroom credit.

Eight staff members -- English and math teachers and a special services teacher -- will work the program, Todoric said.

The first freshmen academy will be staged at Vernon Hills High School. It will run from June 12 through July 31, with classes scheduled from 8 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. daily.