Exploring & Soaring (again)
at List Elementary
Explore & Soar will enter its third year at List Elementary. Explore & Soar is a summer learning program that first
began in the summer of 2021. The pandemic caused learning gaps for students, and List saw a way to help lessen
those gaps and launch its first ever summer program. Under the direction of program directors Mrs. Liz Merrihew
(3rd grade) and Mrs. Tosha Miller (2nd grade), Explore & Soar was a huge success.
Thanks to the dedication and collaboration of Frankenmuth School District Superintendent Grant Hegenauer and
District Improvement Facilitator Margaret Johnston, we were awarded the Michigan Department of Education
Out-of-School Time Grant. These funds will bring resources, materials, and opportunities to enrich the growing
summer learning program.
It's safe to say that the majority of kids don't look forward to spending their summer in school. Fortunately,
that's not the case for Explore & Soar students. The enthusiasm and commitment of the staff has fostered an
environment of collaboration, inquisitiveness, and adventure that keeps kids wanting to come back. Due to
student excitement and high interest from parents, all 5 sections are expected to be filled to capacity.
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