Summer school students learn while getting wet

Summer may be here, but school is still in session. Monday through Thursday each week 126 students are enrolled in K-5 classes being held at Santa Rosa Elementary School. The summer session began on June 6 and will end on June 30.

This summer’s theme is Transportation’s Amazing Race. Each week is dedicated to the study of a different area of transportation. Land, including bicycle races, was the focus for the first week.

According to Santa Rosa principal Stephanie Sharp, “Students are learning about science and social studies by reading, writing and solving problems. We are on an Amazing Race. The winners are everyone who has come, enjoyed and learned.”

This week, as part of that amazing race, students learned about water. Daily topics included water safety and rules for safe swimming. As part of their study of boating safety, students participated in a life jacket relay and made life jugs from empty milk containers.

On Wednesday of this week, students completed a marine mural, incorporating their knowledge of oceans and water transportation. They also made boats that would float out of craft sticks and other imaginative materials.

Thursday’s water activity day was the highlight of the week. Students’ boats got a chance to stay afloat in mini pools. There were also sponge relays, beach ball volleyball and a water balloon toss.

Sponge relays were a real hit.


Amy Hogenes and her K-3 class enjoying beach ball volleyball.

Maricopa fire fighters Eric Lopez and Richard Jackson brought a tanker truck to spray each class.

Firefighters Eric Lopez (left) and Richard Jackson direct the tanker hose into the air and onto summer school students (below).

Nikolai White got soaked but never lost his cap.

The topic for week three will be air, featuring paper airplane races. During the fourth week students will study space, hopefully taking a field trip to the Science Center.

Maricopa Fire Department’s Richard Jackson welcomes the next group ready to get wet.

Summer school at Santa Rosa is all about learning while having fun.