MOUNT VERNON — Summer is fast approaching and students are looking forward to a break from homework, studying and lectures. Certain learners, however, will be continuing their education in summer school sessions, although schools are making some adjustments to summer offerings due, in part, to economic considerations.

Centerburg and Highland will not have summer sessions, as those districts provided additional instructional intervention throughout the regular school year, although Highland will have OGT intervention classes this summer.

Schools which do have summer school see it as a way to help children master the skills taught during the school year and learn the skills they will need to be successful in the coming school year.

At East Knox Elementary, summer school is available at no cost to pupils referred by teachers, and is paid for entirely through federal funds. One major difference this year will be the discontinuation of transportation to the individual student’s home. Principal Steve Rose said there will be designated pickup and drop-off locations to help save on busing costs, but still helping parents with transportation.

The schedule at East Knox is also different this year. The elementary is offering a two-week session in June (15 through 26) and August (3 through 14) for pupils in kindergarten through grade four, and just two weeks in August (3 through 14) for those in grades five through seven. The June session will be held in the elementary building in Bladensburg, the August session in the new middle school.

High school sophomores, juniors and seniors at Danville who have been unsuccessful on any part of the Ohio Graduation Test must attend summer OGT intervention sessions from June 15 through 23, at no cost to the student. Student athletes who failed parts of the OGT or any of the Ohio Achievement tests are required to take summer classes to maintain sports eligibility.

Danville Elementary students referred by teachers will have classes July 13 and 14 and Aug. 3 through 20, excluding Aug. 10. Junior high students may receive invitations to attend summer classes, but any student is welcome.

Classes at Danville are free of charge, but the school does not provide transportation.

Summer school at the Knox County Career Center is available to currently enrolled students and to students who will be attending KCCC this next school year. There is no cost for the classes, but students must provide their own transportation. Summer school coordinator Lyle Reusser said the students are advised by their guidance counselors as to whether they should attend. In addition to Algebra I, geometry, language arts, biology, history, health and physical education, KCCC offers remediation for students who still need to pass portions of the Ohio Graduation Test.

Utica Elementary will have summer school for third-graders who did not pass the Ohio Achievement Test and for second-graders who need an academic boost. The focus is remediation in reading and math. Principal Sharon Greene said there is no cost to the parents and it is voluntary for everyone except the third-grade students who did not pass the OAT; they are required to attend. Transportation is not provided by the school.

Summer school in Fredericktown will be during the weeks of June 22 and June 29 and Aug. 3 for pupils exiting grades one, two, three and four. Teachers recommend, parents decide, said intermediate princpal Emily Funston. The cost is $25 per pupil with snacks and materials provided. Transportation is the responsibility of the parents.

Fredericktown High School is offering physical education this summer beginning June 15. Principal Gary Chapman said the cost is $100 for in-district students. It is voluntary and transportation is not provided.

Mount Vernon City Schools are offering summer sessions for several grade levels. Kindergarten Camp is for incoming kindergarten students for a one-week, half-day session. There is no cost to parents for kindergarten camp. Elementary schools will be offering free summer school only for third-grade students who did not get a proficient score on the reading test, and enrichment camps will be available for students in grades one through eight, for a fee.

Select students currently enrolled in the eighth grade will be advised, recommended or required to attend the Upward Bound program held the first summer session; those who successfully complete the course will receive one-half high school elective credit. There is no cost to the student for Upward Bound program.

Summer Boost Program will be held at the middle school in August at no cost to the student. Summer Boost is available to incoming fifth-graders as well as those students currently enrolled in the sixth and seventh grades.

High school summer school classes require a registration fee and are open to all students entering grades nine through 12 in the 2009-10 school year.

Mount Vernon also offers OGT intervention classes for students who have failed one or more portions of the tests. Those are open to all county students for a fee and on a space-available basis.

More information on all Mount Vernon summer school classes can be found on the district’s Web site www.mt-vernon.k12.oh.us.