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Don’t call it “summer school.” Project Seek is so much more than that.

The enrichment session held every summer for students is 10 days in length, packed with activities, focused lessons, hands-on projects and even field trips.

The courses are taught by teachers who especially want to be there teaching in their field of interest. The kids involved are recommended for participation because of their academic skills and high levels of curiosity. It’s a can’t-lose proposition.

Coordinator Katsy Hanson, with St. Croix River Education District Gifted Network, said 273 kids participated this summer. This is the 12th year of the program, and Project Seek continues to be the only Minnesota summer educational enrichment opportunity offered outside of a major metropolitan area.

Judging from the students’ enthusiasm evident during the program’s June 29 Open House they couldn’t wait to show it off. Moms, dads, grandparents and siblings were being hustled down the cool hallways of the North Branch Middle School to view all the Seek projects and meet teachers.

In photos; the Lego creations were wired up and being operated by computer programs which kids in a creative inventing class put together themselves...there was a science course complete with water animals in a small pool on display...and the art quest class had children make “cave paintings” that visitors could view with a flashlight. Older students can do things like make videotape movies and mold, and paint china chess pieces and then learn how to play chess. Hanson said there are perennial favorites offered, and new courses are developed depending on what instructors propose.

Students involved in the Open House ranged from second to seventh grade. Hanson said there is a gifted first grader program offered too, with enrollment through teacher-referrals.

Project Seek took place between 8:30 and noon, June 14 through June 30 at the North Branch Middle School. In previous years it was held in Rush City. Next year’s site is still being evaluated.

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