1. Ansonia Summer Academy 2015 A new online enrichment program to give your child a head start for the 2015-2016 school year! Ms. Rachel Liscinsky and Mrs. Beth Williams

2. Why do we need a Summer Academy? "Often children will lose the gains they've made (during the school year) if they don't read in the summer," said Sharon Adamson, with the Salt Lake City School District. "Research shows it usually takes a child up to four months to return to the same reading level achieved by the end of the previous school year." - http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700079726 /Study-shows-students-reading-scores-drop- significantly-over-the-summer.html?pg=all http://www.deseretnews.com/article/700079726 /Study-shows-students-reading-scores-drop- significantly-over-the-summer.html?pg=all

3. All young people experience learning losses when they do not engage in educational activities during the summer. Research spanning 100 years shows that students typically score lower on standardized tests at the end of summer vacation than they do on the same tests at the beginning of the summer (White, 1906; Heyns, 1978; Entwisle & Alexander 1992; Cooper, 1996; Downey et al, 2004).

4. Benefits of Summer Academy 1.Students will increase reading and math proficiency through continuous practice with MobyMax technology, which increases 21 st century learning competencies. 2.Students can work at their own pace in the comfort of their own home, even on vacation! 3.The program runs the entire summer. Flexible scheduling allows families to participate at their convenience.

5. Benefits of Summer Academy 4.Students return to school ready for challenges of the next grade level! 5.No time needs to be spent reviewing previous skills in September. 6.Students can earn badges and game time on MobyMax which is used in their classrooms.

6. Dates for the Summer Academy The Summer Academy will take place on July 7 th at Ansonia High School. Stop by anytime between 8am and noon for registration and setting up of a student summer account. We will be available every Wednesday in the AHS Media Center from 8am to noon for any technical questions or concerns. Computers will be available at this time for students who don’t have internet access at home. Parents will need to remain with their child, as there will not be teachers present. Summer Academy dates at AHS will be: July 8 th July 15 th July 22 nd July 29 th August 5 th August 12 th August 19th

7. What is required of my child? You and your child will log into the MobyMax website. It is the same website that is used at school so it should look familiar. Your child will have a summer specific account, so he or she will be required to take the Summer Placement Test when he or she first logs in. The Summer Placement Test will be required for both Reading and Math in order to begin. MobyMax will adjust his or her modules to fit the level appropriate for your child. Your child has the option of working on the following modules: Math Literature Skills Informational (Non-fiction text) Skills Language (Grammar) Skills

8. What is MobyMax?

9. Prizes! 1.A drawstring bag will be awarded to the first 100 students who complete their Placement Tests and their first modules in Reading and Math. 2.There will also be prizes for the Most Improved in Math and Most Improved in Reading. If many students show the same growth, their names will be entered into a drawing.

10. How to reach us Ms. Liscinsky and Mrs. Williams are available to help with any questions and concerns that you may encounter. We can be reached at: rliscinsky@ansonia.org bwilliams@ansonia.org Please note that all communication for Summer Academy will be by email. If you are interested in Summer Academy, please use one of the Chromebooks in the front row to sign up!