Highland Park News
July 20, 20006

Kids enjoy indoor camp, where computers are king

BY DON ANDRIES
STAFF REPORTER

School still thrives in Highland Park and Highwood during the summer, especially for 360 students having a great time learning at the Computer Camp and More sponsored by North Shore School District 112.

The air-conditioned Oak Terrace School in Highwood is where the computer labs for the program incorporates high-tech info just about every class. Students spend up to half their class time using technology, including digital, still and movie cameras, and a variety of reading and math software programs.

“Kids are drawn to computers, so this technology-rich approach to summer school makes learning fun,” said Summer School Principal Sandy Anderson, the program’s creator.  Whether enjoying an enrichment class of working on reading or math, technology keeps the students very engaged.”

This is the second year of the popular Computer Camp program.  According to Anderson, enrollment is double that of last year.

The five-week program runs through Friday, from 9:00a.m. to noon daily.  It includes classes such as “You Ought to Be in Pictures” and “Author Please” where students film and edit movies, plus create books and journals using the latest digital/computer methods.

In “Garage Band” class, students use the Apple software of the same name to compose music.  “Digital Photography” students shoot pictures and use the computer to crop them, change them to black and whoite, and perform other photo alterations.

“Culinary Exploration” students explore healthy eating habits as they cook a feast of kid-tasty dishes and treats.  The class takes several field trips to local food–related businesses to learn some of their food prep secrets.  Computers are even used in the cooking class as students create a PowerPoint presentation about an ethnic food culture and then cook a dish from it.

Thanks to the 112 Education Foundation, a group of economically disadvantaged students  are being helped with their tuition for the program.  The Foundation donated $11,000 for this purpose.

“District 112 is very grateful for the Foundation’s generous contribution,” said Anderson.  “Their support helps ensure that no child is left out of this exciting opportunity.”

Foundation Chairman Lynn Froy said,” The Foundation is happy to help keep technology in the hands of students who otherwise might not have computer access over the summer.  This is particularly important in a community where many children are fortunate to have Internet access at home.  Scholarships help even the playing field for all students, regardless of family income.”

Approximately 10 percent of the students in the program are supported by Foundation scholarships.