12 Results

  • Summer Academy Adventure Awaits: Kids' Guide to Travel Planning (Entering Grades 3-4 by invitation only)

    Calling all future travelers! Join us for a hands-on adventure where we explore the exciting world of travel planning. In this class, students will learn how to create a budget, research destinations and activities, build an itinerary, and prepare for a trip of their choice! Our field trip will be a Scavenger Hunt at the Midtown Global Market, along with a few virtual field trips, too! Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 15. Teacher: Jess Costello is a third-grade teacher at Rice Lake Elementary School. This will be her first summer teaching Summer Academy and her fifth year as a third-grade teacher at Rice Lake. In her free time, she loves to read, play with her son, Benson, and go for walks! Teacher: Emma Monson is a second-grade teacher at Rice Lake Elementary School. This will be her first summer teaching Summer Academy and her fifth year as a second grade teacher at Rice Lake. In her free time, she loves to travel, play with her corgi, Lyla, and cook!
  • Summer Academy Building, Design, and Engineering (Entering Grades 4-6 by invitation only)

    Do you enjoy building and designing? In this class, students will explore patterns of motion and friction, build simple rockets, build catapults, egg cars, and many more engaging activities. This is a hands-on class that will utilize your skills in creativity, building, and engineering. At the end of the program students will have built several projects to take home with them! Our fieldtrip will be to the Works in Edina. Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 15. Teacher: Debbie Bartlett has been teaching for 15 years and she currently teaches in the Anoka Hennepin School District. She enjoys exploring, being creative, math and science. When not teaching, she enjoys being outdoors: biking, hiking, kayaking, and skiing. Reading and gardening are other hobbies and she loves visiting Minnesota State Parks in the summer.
  • Summer Academy Coding and Robotics (Entering Grades 3-4 by invitation only)

    Engage in fun coding challenges to learn how to solve problems through programming with a team or partner. After an introduction to programming and coding, students will learn how to program Dash the robot through different challenges! Our field trip will be to the University of Minnesota’s Robotics Laboratory. Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 15. Teacher: Megan Gemuenden is a third-grade teacher at Rice Lake Elementary School. This will be her third summer teaching Summer Academy and her sixth year as a third-grade teacher at Rice Lake. In the summers, she has taught Targeted Services and coached at Camp Invention, a STEM and engineering camp. In her free time, she loves to read, run, cross country ski (when there's snow) and play board games. Teacher: Annie Weichelt is a third-grade teacher at Rice Lake Elementary School. This is her fourth year at Rice Lake, but last year, she taught second-grade. In addition to Summer Academy this summer, she plans to compete in the Ragnar Race and eat popsicles!
  • Summer Academy Crafting Fun (Entering Grades 4-5 by invitation only)

    Ever wondered why artists choose certain materials? Or where your favorite craft techniques come from? In Crafting Club, you'll become a time-traveling artist discovering the rich stories behind embroidery, weaving, crop art, and more while creating your own masterpieces! This isn't just a craft class. It's a journey through art history where you are the artist. Discover global connections as you see how the same craft looks completely different across cultures, from Japanese embroidery to Navajo weaving, to the surprising world of agricultural crop art, every project teaches you something new about the artists who came before you. Unlike typical craft classes, we're weaving storytelling into every project. Every creation is yours to keep, frame, gift, or add to your own artist portfolio. Whether you're an artist who loves history, a maker who wants to try something new, or a student who wants to slow down and create with friends, this class welcomes you. Sign up today! Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 15. Teacher: Hello! My name is Katie Berquist, and I am thrilled to be teaching at Summer Academy this year! I grew up in Vadnais Heights, MN, and graduated from the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities. In my free time, I enjoy taking my one-year-old Aussiedoodle, Goose, for walks around the neighborhood, as well as reading, listening to audiobooks, cooking, and exploring new restaurants. For the past six years, I have dedicated myself to teaching fourth grade at Rice Lake, with the last two years teaching the fourth grade Odyssey program. I am passionate about fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment, and I look forward to meeting each of you and guiding you on your educational journey!
  • Summer Academy Crime Scene Science (Entering Grades 5-6 by invitation only)

    Have you ever wanted to help solve a crime? We're looking for some super sleuths to dig up clues, identify suspects and help put the criminals behind bars. We'll use different crime scene investigation techniques like fingerprinting, impression analysis, deciphering eyewitness accounts and other forensic evidence to help piece together the clues and close the case. Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 15. Teacher: Kris Cardille. I have an elementary education degree from University of Wisconsin-Whitewater. I have been involved in Centennial School District for the past 15 years-ish. I have been a substitute in the elementary schools and for the past 2 years have been the district sub. I have also coached varsity softball for 10 years. Because I like to watch Hallmark movies and mysteries to see if I can figure out who dunnit, I figured this class would be a great fit.
  • Summer Academy Design. Build. Innovate: The STEM Experience! (Entering Grades 3-4 by invitation only)

    Our class will focus on providing an engaging and enriching learning experience outside the regular school year. The class is designed to balance academic enrichment with fun activities to maintain students’ interest and promote academic success. We will explore fun through hands-on learning with STEM topics like: constructing mazes, building boats and balloon cars, creating towers, designing bubble wands, and much more! Our field trip will be to the Works in Edina. Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 15. Teacher: Robynn Gehring has been a teacher for over twenty years and is so excited to be with Summer Academy this year. She loves learning new things, reading all genres, walking her dog, and BINGO!
  • Summer Academy Little Chefs (Entering Grades 3-4 by invitation only)

    Calling all foodies! Join us for a hands-on adventure where we explore the magic of the kitchen. In this class, students will: learn essential safety rules in the kitchen, master kitchen vocabulary and learn the names of tools, whip up delicious no-bake treats, and discover the science of baking with simple, guided directions! Our field trip is still being planned. Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 15. Teacher: Olivia Olejar has been teaching for 4.5 years in the Anoka Hennepin School District. She enjoys hands-on activities, creative projects, and creating independence and confidence while learning. Outside of school, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, and spending time on the lake.
  • Summer Academy Mad Scientist (Entering Grades 3-4 by invitation only)

    Get your safety goggles ready - it’s time for hands-on (and sometimes messy!) science fun! In our “lab” we will explore the world of STEAM while learning about chemical changes, gravity, light, and other core concepts. Our experiments will include making butter, building a wind-powered car, creating elephant toothpaste and much more! Our field trip will be to the Works in Edina. Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 15. Teacher: Lissa Forliti-Aska has been teaching for over 15 years in classrooms from PreK - 5th grade and is a substitute teacher in the Centennial and Anoka Hennepin districts. She loves being creative, reading, and being outside in the warmer months. She also enjoys volunteering at Wargo Nature Center as an animal care volunteer, playing games and spending time with her family. She is excited to answer the question "what if?" and explore the wonders of science with you this summer!
  • Summer Academy Ocean Adventures (Entering Grades 3-5 by invitation only)

    Have a 'whale of a time' exploring the deep blue sea this summer! In Ocean Adventures, young explorers will dive into the wonders of the ocean through science experiments, hands-on activities, songs, videos, books, and games. Students will use their creativity to design and build their own ocean-inspired costumes for a special class play, and with our daily sea creature craft projects, our classroom will transform into a magical underwater world. On our extended day, we will embark on a field trip to The Sea Life Aquarium at the Mall of America, where we’ll meet incredible marine animals and go behind the scenes to learn from real ocean experts. From the shallow tide pools to the deep and dark abyss, this class is packed with investigation, discovery, creativity, and hands-on fun. Grab your flippers and join “Captain G.” on an unforgettable journey where learning knows no bounds—-Adventure awaits! Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 15. Teacher: Michelle Gilsrud, also known as “Captain G.”, has over 25 years experience teaching gifted and talented students in the Anoka-Hennepin School District. In the summertime, she channels her passion for ocean life into inspiring young minds, sparking curiosity and appreciation for the wonders of the sea. This is her third year at Summer Academy. Through hands-on science lessons, creative projects, and the use of lessons incorporating multiple intelligences, she guides students on an exciting journey to become aspiring oceanographers, exploring the mysteries of our planet’s most precious resource.
  • Summer Academy Paint like Van Gogh! (Entering Grades 5-6 by invitation only)

    In this course you will learn to paint like Post Impressionist and Impressionist painters Vincent Van Gogh, Claude Monet, and Georges Seurat. We will also look at Contemporary impressionist painter Erin Hanson, and her modern method of painting.Students will create still life, plein air, portrait and landscape acrylic paintings. Students will learn the gestural techniques and color theory of these bold painters. Our field trip will be to the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 15. Teacher: MacKenzie Mitzuk is an Art Teacher who works at Centennial Middle School and Centennial High School. She has a Bachelors of Science in Art Education from St. Cloud State University and a Masters of Fine Arts from Minneapolis College of Art and Design with a focus in painting, illustration and sculpture.
  • Summer Academy Seven Wonders of the World (Entering Grades 5-6 by invitation only)

    Join us for an exciting journey around the globe as we explore the Seven Wonders of the World! Incoming 5th and 6th graders will uncover the history, culture, and stories behind these iconic landmarks, from the Great Wall of China to Machu Picchu. Through art projects, STEM challenges, and historical activities, you’ll learn about the people and traditions that shaped these wonders. Plus, you’ll design your own wonder, build models, and explore the science behind these incredible feats of architecture. It’s the ultimate adventure for curious minds who love learning, building, and discovering new cultures! Our field trip will be to the Science Museum of Minnesota. Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 15. Teacher: My name is Kyleigh Winkler and I am a 5th grade Odyssey teacher at Rice Lake Elementary! I have taught 5th grade for three years in the Centennial School District. My love for the Seven Wonders of the World came from learning about Machu Picchu in college, where I studied Spanish and education. In my free time, I enjoy coloring, playing video games, and pickleball! I can’t wait to meet you soon!
  • Summer Academy Storytelling (Entering Grades 4-6 by invitation only)

    Do you love to spin a tale or have an itch to share a story you love? Come and learn about the methods and art of good storytelling! We will explore storytelling from around the world, practice creating stories that capture the attention of audiences, and share our stories with others. We will also have a chance to explore bookmaking and other ways people throughout history have left their stories behind to share with us! Our field trip will be to the Science Museum of Minnesota. Registration is by invitation only and is non-refundable after May 15. Teacher: Emma Friesen Hello! I’m a Student Support teacher in the Anoka-Hennepin school district but when I’m not teaching, I am reading a good story or writing one myself. I’ve been published in multiple children’s magazines and am currently working on publishing my first novel. I have a passion for storytelling in all of its forms and look forward to sharing that love with students this summer! When not at Summer Academy, I’m hoping to take some road trips, spend time with friends and family, and read lots of books!