Since it runs against America’s long-standing romance with summer break, Hickman Mills’ decision to start a year-round school at Ingels Elementary takes some getting used to . . .

At least for the parents, if not so much the kids.

“At first I was kind of mad,” Ingels parent Shelly Luedtke said as she was signing up 8-year-old Karlee for LINC’s before- and after-school Caring Communities program at back-to-school night June 8.

“But she’s excited,” Luedtke said, nodding at her daughter whose third grade year begins June 12, barely two weeks after she finished second grade.

LINC is certainly helping with the excitement, which became apparent as LINC Caring Communities Coordinator Mindia Stephenson reviewed with the mother and daughter what’s in store in the weeks ahead.

“We’ll have Lego League robotics,” Stephenson said, “cooking, a garden, fitness . . ., art classes, dance classes . . .”

And that’s great, Luedtke said, because Karlee “is very artistic.” And Karlee smiled and nodded.

Hickman Mills is experimenting with the year-round school concept, trying it out at Ingels to see if the district can realize some of the academic and social-emotional gains that a stretched-out school year promises.

Studies have long shown that the extended summer break can have a detrimental affect on student progress. But the “summer slide,” as it’s called, isn’t the only concern.

Schools throughout the district, the Kansas City area, the state and the nation are still recovering from the setbacks of lost classroom time during the Covid-19 pandemic.

And schools like Ingels, in districts that served more at-risk populations in Covid, spent more time using virtual classrooms than many other districts.

Ingels’ staff is committed to taking advantage of the extra days to inject new learning opportunities, while keeping the adventurous feel of more conventional summer school.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Ingels Principal Dr. Michelle McDaniel said. “Our students can benefit from all that our school can offer year-round.”

The school is boosting its curriculum with a career exploration program called RIASEC, an acronym for the categories of career possibilities — Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising and Conventional.

“We’re going to make sure they have fun activities throughout the summer,” McDaniel said, “have field trips and learn about careers.”

Having LINC on board for the extended year will help the school in its mission, the principal said.

“LINC continuing to provide services for parents and all its clubs and activities is going to be beneficial for the kids,” she said.

LINC shares the district’s dedication to helping students grow academically and socially, said LINC Caring Communities Coordinator Martin Jackson.

“It’s going to be year-round fun, and year-round growth for kids after school,” Jackson said.

“It’s an opportunity to assist in closing the achievement gap,” he said. “We can assist the district with academic-support programs.”

Parents like Luedtke said she can appreciate that. And she sees other benefits to families that need the supports that schools can give, including meals and LINC’s free before- and after-school program.

“It’ll be good for families to save money on breakfast and lunch,” she said, “and on day care.”

Breaonna Stacker was another parent who felt some misgivings over the year-round idea, while her child stood by seemingly eager with excitement to be back with friends so soon.

Stacker is trying to like the idea, though she thinks “kids need a break.”

Her son Jorden Wilson’s enthusiasm is making the transition easier.

“It’s good,” Jorden, 10, said, all smiles. “I get to see some new friends. I get a new teacher. It’s going to be a very fun summer.”

By Joe Robertson/LINC Writer