Minnesota summer school programs see surge in enrollment

A group of first-graders huddled together outside Burnsville's Vista View Elementary School on a recent morning, giggling as they tugged a long ribbon back and forth for a real-world lesson in physics.

Nearby, some kindergartners joined together in song, smiling widely as they made their voices louder, then softer. Another group of students clamored up stairs and down slides on the playground, savoring the freedom of recess before heading back inside to the classroom.

It was the kind of scene that would have been unremarkable a couple of years ago. But after more than a year of pandemic-era limits on hands-on learning, summer school in Burnsville and across Minnesota has students, teachers and parents excited to resume some familiar routines. With a strong focus on in-person instruction, relaxed mask rules and a return to music classes, field trips and other school-day highlights, this summer is providing what may be a glimpse into the next school year.

https://www.startribune.com/minnesota-summer-school-programs-see-surge-in-enrollment/600075173/