Francene DePrez/Contributing writer
This summer, pre-kindergarten through 5th grade students have had the unique opportunity of participating in “Summer Adventures in Learning”, an enrichment program that is presented free of charge and directed by Dr. G. Arcolia Jenkins. Older students can also serve as teaching assistants and mentors.
Dr. Jenkins says that she is grateful for the high quality of educational experiences that have taken place; for the dedicated and committed parents, volunteers, mentors, facilitators and members of the JISD School District. It has been a wonderful adventure for all of the children that participated. Dr. Jenkins is blessed to be working with and for children.
Jefferson Railway and Wetlands Foundation in one of the many donors that support SAIL – now in its 6th year. SAIL is a Christian based learning program, that includes improving reading, writing and mathematics.
About 50 children and teachers were treated to a ride on the Historic Jefferson Railway including a stop at the Diamond Don Gator Pit for the alligator feeding. There were seven gators anxiously waiting for their dinner! Don Rainey, owner, always looks forward to this summer event to give the kids an opportunity to see nature, hear some Jefferson history aboard the train, and spend some time outdoors.
The experiences by this group of children will lead them to great futures. One child said “I learned that you can be anything you can be, anything rich or poor. I also learned to dream big.”
During the summer, students receive instruction on a variety of skills ranging from etiquette, fine arts, liberal arts and citizenship, with the goal of improving a child’s academic performance. Students fill their “Big Book” of adventures with their memories and experiences from the summer.
Dr. Jenkins is a native of Jefferson, Texas. Her family has lived in the area for nine generations. It was easy for her to identify with students who have a need for activities between school closing and school opening for the new school year, because she has been a working parent. She has accomplished her goal with the most successful year yet for Summer Adventures in Learning. More than 60 students participated this year.