Students spend the first several weeks of school reviewing things they have previously learned. According to SummerLearning.org, “most students lose about two months of grade level equivalency in mathematical computation skills over the summer months.”
Students like sophomore Allyson Bowen choose to be productive during these summer months by going to classes at NWACC and taking online courses through Brigham Young University.
“Not only am I getting the extra credits that I need, but I’m also keeping up with what I learned from this school year so that when I get back to school in August I wont be completely brain dead,” said Bowen.
These summer courses not only keep Bowen busy and productive, but they also help her to graduate a year early.
“I look forward into getting a head start on my career and, quite frankly, I’m just tired of high school,” said Bowen.
Counselor David Clouse recommends taking enrichment programs, and programs like Arkansas Governor’s School, Boys and Girls State, and even college summer programs.
But he also offers the idea of volunteerism, as it helps make your college application look much more appealing. These opportunities can be found in Little League, church missions, and even picking up the parks.
“You see a need in the community, go meet it!” said Mr. Clouse.
Students like junior JociAnna Chong Gum uses her summer months to try and embrace both volunteerism and college classes.
She plans to take her physics class at the NWACC campus, though it isn’t required for her to graduate, but instead because it interests her and she finds it will benefit her in the future.
“I don’t need it, but my chemistry teacher, Mrs. Irvin, recommended it. She said that high school physics wouldn’t be good enough since I plan to go to medical school,” said Chong Gum.
Mr. Clouse and the counseling department posts on the counseling center page, which can be found on the Har-Ber Sharp School page. They also post events, scholarships, and opportunities that could be especially helpful if you are interested in building your own college application. If you find this site helpful, they even offer a text alert system with updates.
