The Vashon School District is set to offer summer school classes at Chautauqua, McMurray and Vashon High schools this year, and will include previously offered standard programming as well as two new programs.

Chautauqua Elementary School will offer its traditional reading skills improvement class for English Language Learners and students identified as being at risk.

Summer classes at McMurray will include both math and reading camps, which have previously been offered, as well as a new Jump Start program, designed primarily for students transitioning from eighth grade to high school in the fall.

“Our team came up with this idea to help kids we’ve identified as needing extra support for the challenges they’ll face in high school,” said McMurray principal Greg Allison. “We’ll focus on things like study skills and engagement. We’ll also be working with kids who were previously home-schooled and need more intensive support for the transition.”

The high school will offer students the opportunity for credit retrieval as it has in previous years, but with more extensive subject availability due to a pilot project with an online curriculum service.

“It’s a blended learning model involving both online and in-person support,” explained VHS principal Danny Rock, “which statistically speaking, is the best way to do it.”

Rock went on to say that he thinks the program will prove to be a good fit for a number of students who struggle with more traditional learning situations.

“We’re really interested in supporting students who struggle and in finding the best possible environment and alternatives in teaching and learning,” he said. “It will be exciting to see how effective this model is for those who participate this summer. It will give us good information for moving forward.”

Funding for the expanded programs comes from a variety of sources, including private grants, state funding and the PTSA.

For more information about summer school programs, go to vashonsd.org and click on “Academics.” To register a student, contact his or her school before the end of June.