Students in the K-8 Elevate Summer School Program ended the four-week program on a high note Friday morning by participating in a Talent Show in the Columbia High School auditorium. Students from all grade levels performed during the show, which included songs, dances, jokes, skits, a fashion show, and readings of poems and stories.

“Each grade picked something different to perform that day and it was a huge success!” said Principal Kathleen Russell. “Students and staff really enjoyed participating in this fun event.”

This was the second year of the Elevate Summer School Program for K-8 regular education students. The goal of the program, which is funded by federal COVID relief funds and open to any student for free, is to help fill learning gaps created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Overall the program was very successful for our second year in a row,” said Principal Russell. “Parents were extremely happy and satisfied with the summer school program. Students learned so much from an excellent teaching staff that will prepare them for their next grade level this fall. In addition, students received social-emotional support from our social workers which made students feel welcomed and happy to be in school.”