A Message from Mrs. Fortunato
June 19, 2020
Dear Parents,
Congratulations to our 8th graders who celebrated graduation with excitement and joy! ICS will surely miss you! We wish each student boundless energy as you prepare for high school! We are proud of you and cannot wait to hear about your future accomplishments.
This unusual school year has ended. Thoughts turn to summertime family fun such as vacations, cookouts, swimming, camping, and a trip to the beach! Even though we need to be socially distanced.
Over the years, parents have asked me what their children should do during these summer months to keep their minds active. I recently read an article that suggests five or six activities that parents can do with their children that will accomplish this and at the same time relieve them from a school type environment.
READ TOGETHER – Research shows that the most important way parents can help their children become better readers is by encouraging them to read at home. Parents should also try to find a time when the whole family can read together.
VISIT THE LIBRARY – Many libraries plan special summer activities. Kids need to learn that adults read for fun too so take – don’t send them to the library.
PLAN OUTINGS TOGETHER – Every community has interesting places to visit: museums, drama productions, concerts, and the zoo.
WRITE LETTERS – If your family is planning a vacation this summer, have the children write to the department of tourism in states that you intend to visit. Also, they could write their relatives, friends, or a missionary in another country.
PLAY WORD AND READING GAMES – Try looking for letters of the alphabet on signs as you drive in the community or on vacation. For older children, games like Scrabble help build vocabulary.
LEARN HOW THINGS WORK – Have the children tinker with an old alarm clock or a calculator that you were going to throw away.
STUDY THE WEATHER – Keep a notebook to record temperature, humidity, etc. Make a rain gauge in a coffee can and measure the precipitation. Read about clouds.
These are just a few examples of how to make summertime experiences not only fun but interesting and educational as well. I would also encourage parents to check out internet websites for additional ideas related to summer activities.
With heartfelt love, I wish each family a wonderful summer! Enjoy the outside adventures and a more relaxed schedule.