Russell County Schools Family Resource Centers, 21st Century Community Learning Center and Lake Cumberland Health Department Summer Day Camp have worked together to bring local children summer camp since 2004, said Susan Melton.

She said that because of this unique relationship and past student successes Russell County Schools are one of only 10 state wide summer programs invited to participate in the Johns Hopkins educational research program. Russell County Schools' Summer Day Camp has been selected as a "model" program for learning.

Melton said that the purpose of the program is not only to provide a safe environment while parents are at work but to increase academic learning during the summer months.

She explained that research proves students who have a break from the traditional school setting for an extended period of time lose a percentage of academic skills attained during the school year.

"Our program provides that bridge to maintain and increase academic skills," Melton said.

 June 24, 2009 at the Russell County Schools Auditorium / Natatorium Complex, participants put on a program to a crowd of over 100 parents, grandparents, friends and special guests from Johns Hopkins University and Frankfort.

Following their NASA theme and using technology, science and math, the 78 students researched and created the solar system, using themselves as planets; created a moon habitat and entertained the audience with a performance of "Inter-planet  Janet" (an old Schoolhouse Rock Classic) to tell the story of our solar system.

Melton said this program could not be without the support of parents, community partners and volunteers.

She added that the teachers and staff wanted to say "thank you" to the partners, community leaders and volunteers:

Dale Holder-retired chemistry teacher from RCHS

Shirley Roberson-Russell County Health Department

June Branscum-Branscum's Fruit Market

Julie Beckman-Russell County Extension Office

Margie Hernadez-Russell County Extension Office

Eddie Thomas-Thomas Sports Printing

J.P. Harris- NASA

Jill White-Community Action

Destiny Burton-Russell County Diabetes Education

PACS

Volunteers: Jade Brumley and Zack Carney

Bonnie Kerns and Judy Bernard-School Nutrition Services

Teachers: Lisa Tarter, David Miller, Julissa Carney, Megan Blakey, Rachel Johnson, Sara Heathman

For information on the program contact:

Jan Brumley and Phil Carney-Family Resource Center Coordinators  866-3586 or 343-2056

Susan Melton-21st CCLC Project Director  270-866-6300 or 270-343-3191.