Students Keeping Busy With Learning Activities This Summer

School's out for the summer, but that doesn't mean all students are taking a break from learning.

Throughout this week, the Maryland Summer Center for Historical Research at Pemberton Hall will allow students to explore the past while conducting research into the lives of former residents of Pemberton Hall, an 18th-century plantation. Students entering grades 5-7 will conduct historical research to get insights into the daily lives of real people who lived in our area. The students will learn about the crafts, clothing, cooking, and chores of the inhabitants using primary and secondary sources. They will study characterization and drama techniques to create and present a first-person characterization of someone who once lived in the area.

The Summer Scholars Program at Wor-Wic Community College opened for its 2011 session on Monday, July 11, with classes scheduled over the next three weeks in everything from cooking to photography to art to CSI. The program is open to gifted and talented students from throughout the Lower Shore. http://www.worwic.edu/summerscholars

Through this Friday, students in grades 7-12 are participating in the Maryland Summer Center for the Fine and Performing Arts at Salisbury University. This two-week residential program allows these aspiring artists to gain a sense of living in an artists’ community. The students will enhance their unique abilities and learning style while they participate in one of the following course offerings: orchestra, musical theater, acting, integrated visual arts, or digital video production. The community can see and hear their artistic endeavors at Barnes & Noble on North Salisbury Boulevard on the following schedule, all at 3 p.m.: Tuesday, July 12, acting and drama, with short pieces for children; Wednesday, July 13, orchestra and jazz band; Thursday, July 14, musical theatre troupe.

Wicomico's Elementary Summer School and Summer STARS, at Charles H. Chipman and Glen Avenue Elementary Schools, began June 16 and will end July 13. Attendance in summer school is for remediation only; invitations to attend summer school come from elementary schools, for students who the school believes would benefit from the summer academic experience. The Summer Stars Program is held from 1-4:30 p.m. at Chipman and Glen Avenue Summer School sites for grades 1-4.

Secondary Summer School is going on now, with courses for remediation as well as original credit. Classes began June 27 and will continue through Aug. 5.