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Advance reservations are required through the United Way HelpLine at 412-255-1155.
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“We know that the typical school year is not enough time to meet the needs of all students,” said Superintendent Mark Roosevelt. “This unique summer experience thoughtfully infuses literacy skill development in as many activities as possible, extending the time students are learning in a way that is engaging and fun.”

Parents can look for registration packets for the camp to arrive at homes at the end February. Registration period for the camp ends May 1, 2010.

Literacy Filled Mornings

With the entire day driven by student choices, the Summer Dreamers Academy boasts a new curriculum that is aligned with the disciplinary literacy pattern used during the District’s regular school year. The curriculum is filled with engaging activities and novels including Uglies by Scott Westerfield, Lunch Money by Andrew Clements and The Curtain Went Up, My Pants Fell Down by Henry Winkler. Students begin each morning with an All Camp Meeting, focused on high school and Promise-Readiness that features motivational and guest speakers, as well as camper recognition and awards.

During the first half of the day students will have the opportunity to choose between the camp’s literacy themes, with each week featuring a new topic as detailed in the chart below.

In developing the camp, District staff held focus groups with middle grades students throughout the District. A student steering committee was also developed to provide input on the camp.

“We are confident students will find this camp engaging because student feedback assisted us in the development of the camp’s design,” said Cate Reed, Project Manager, Office of Strategic Initiatives.

Afternoon Activities and Electives

The Pittsburgh Public Schools Summer Dreamers Academy is now partnered with 27 local organizations to provide a variety of exciting afternoon activities for its students. Because the District is determined to give students the ability to develop new and unique passions through this premier program, it wanted to partner with multiple organizations of varying sizes and interest areas.

Activities will include Green Architecture, African drumming, mural painting, fencing and theatre classes facilitated by local organizations such as Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, Venture Outdoors, The Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, Gateway to the Arts, Marilyn G. Rabb Foundation, Three Rivers Fencing and Saltworks Theatre.

Beginning last October, the District sought local organizations that would teach PPS middle-grade students a unique and creative hobby that would generate excitement in a new area of interest not only during the five-week summer camp but for the rest of their lives. Community partners were selected through a rigorous and equitable Request For Proposal (RFP) process and the chosen proposals demonstrated outstanding commitment to student engagement.

The Summer Dreamers Academy will run from 8:15 am – 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday and will take place at Pittsburgh Brashear High School, Pittsburgh CAPA High School, Pittsburgh South Brook 6-8, Pittsburgh Peabody High School, Pittsburgh King K-8 and Pittsburgh Obama 6-12 (Reizenstein). Community partners will be based at the schools, or will provide services at off-site locations.