Help, I'm moving to middle school!
Rising sixth-graders prepare for middle school during summer break

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 24, 2009—Rising sixth-grader Blaque Boadu doesn’t mind being at school this summer. She’s excited about learning and is ready to tackle middle school.

Boadu and 59 of her peers at Bishop Spaugh Middle are making the transition to middle school by participating in the Building Educated Leaders for Life (BELL) summer program. For six weeks, the students will take rigorous math and reading courses. They will also learn about class schedules and meet teachers.

We believe the BELL Scholars program will help students make a smooth transition to middle school,” said Sherrine Reece, area site manager for BELL. “We assess the students at the beginning of the program and will drive instruction based on that data,” Reece said.

During the morning sessions, students study in small groups. Teachers focus on comprehension, reinforcement and include journal writing, independent reading and guided reading in daily lessons. In the afternoon, students take physical education and computer classes. On Thursdays, they take a field trip to a museum or recreational park. They will also participate in school and community service projects.

It’s going great and I’m getting ahead of the game,” Boadu said. “I’m learning geometry and all kinds of new stuff.”

Bishop Spaugh is the first BELL site in the Charlotte area. The program serves more 11,000 students in Baltimore, Boston, Charlotte, Detroit, Flint, New York City and Saginaw. For more information, visit www.bellnational.org.

The program will be in session until July 30. It operates Monday-Thursday from 8:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. Breakfast, lunch and transportation is provided at no charge. The BELL Scholars program is paid for through federal funds.

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For more information or to visit the BELL program at Bishop Spaugh, please contact:

Tahira Stalberte
Achievement Zone
980-343-6775 Phone
704-614-3635 Cell
980-343-3125 Fax