Franklin Summer School Combines Fun, Learning

With class names like “Funtastic Math,” “Extra! Extra! Read All About It,” “Fairy Tales Theater” and “Zumba,” it’s a sure bet that both teachers and kids are having a great time in the Summer Enrichment Program at . 

The program allows teachers freedom to explore creative ways to communicate the subject matter without losing time to testing or checking off a list of standards every day.

This is the first year that PEF has offered summer programs in Altadena, Franklin’s enrollment is intentionally low, according to Angela Parris of the Pasadena Educational Foundation.  There are 111 students from kindergarten through fifth grade.

But there are plans to expand next summer, Parris said, and the enrollment goal is 200 to 250 students.

Patch took a tour of the campus on Tuesday with Parris, Traude Gomez of PEF, and Alden Denila, principal of the summer enrichment program at Franklin.  We visited eight classes and found engaged students and happy teachers. 

Information on each class is in the photo gallery captions. 

“Teachers can hone in on their specialties,” Parris said.  “Teachers are more relaxed. Students are more relaxed.  We call it magic.”

“When students are engaged and having fun, there are no problems,” Denila said.  Denila has taught at Franklin for 11 years and is currently the curriculum resource teacher. He also teaches beginning chess at the summer school.  Parris notes, “[The program] also gives aspiring leaders of the community the opportunity to see what the role of principal is.”

Franklin offers 12 different classes for second through fifth graders, with eight classes in each of three periods.  Students choose three classes based on their interests. Classes cover language arts, fine arts, science, math, technology, sports, and physical education.

Class sizes are small, not more than 20 and frequently fewer. Beginning Band, taught by Michael Birnbryer, has only three students—one trumpet, one sax, and one clarinet. It’s almost like getting private lessons, Parris says.

A good portion of the children are in the Introduction to Kindergarten and Introduction to First Grade classes.

Some of the suggestions for classes come from the teachers themselves.  “Zumba” may sound like an appliance that cleans your living room while you nap, but it’s actually designed to get adults off the couch and dancing to a Latin beat.  Elsa Gutierrez, who also teaches “Funtastic Math,” suggested the class to Parris. 

PEF created and sponsors the five-week program for 1100 students at four campuses around the district.  Students come from public, private, and parochial schools. The organization also provides tuition assistance to offset the $375 fee for students who need it, which is close to 100 percent at Franklin.  The organization gave $62,000 in tuition assistance to students this summer. 

PEF also employs the teachers (all credentialed PUSD instructors) and support personnel and gives teachers a stipend for supplies.  Donations can be made to PEF to help fund the program.