Mrs. Eichler conducts a group reading session during Camp Read-A-Lot on Thursday, the last day for this summer school session.

Stepping into Camp Read-A-Lot, the name of the elementary summer school, you wonder if kids realize they're learning. There are a lot of smiles and laughter along with focused faces. "They are excited to be here," says Lisa Currie, WSE Administrative Assistant, "they are just running in the door every day."

Washington and Dix Street Elementaries hold two summer school sessions at Washington Street Elementary; 48 students were a part of the first one. It runs Monday through Thursday from 9 am - Noon. Students start the day out in the gym with Mileage Club, they walk, jog or run for about 20 minutes to get their bodies and brains moving and ready to focus on learning.

The students, grades K-4, then go into their classrooms and work in groups on reading and math. There are also tutors to conduct one-on-one sessions with students.

Each morning at 10 am, students head outside for a 15-minute recess and a snack then get back to their classroom tasks. They are reading and analyzing great books that will help them retain information and ready themselves for the new school year in the fall.

At 11:30 am each day, they gather around a makeshift campfire in the Media Center and take part in sing-alongs and group activities.

At the start of the session, they each made a backpack out of a t-shirt; they receive a different gift at the end of each day to put in their backpacks and get to take them home on the last day. They've received items like pencils, beach balls and rope bracelets.

The second session of "Camp Read-A-Lot" will be run on the same schedule; it begins July 30th and ends August 16th.