The West Delaware School District is having yet another successful summer school program this year and students, who will be in Kindergarten through fifth grade, are having fun in the process.

“People that send their kids here love it,” said Pat Johnson, one of the West Delaware teachers teaching this summer. “There is a waiting list.”

During the two sessions the 80 students involved take either one or both sessions and students were recommend by their teachers. Unlike the middle school program, it was up to their parents whether or not the students attended.

The students are broken up in groups of no more than seven students to study math or reading.
“Some children go to both sessions and have help with both,” said Johnson.

And the teachers, as well as the students, enjoy the small groups.

“Sometimes the individual attention is better,” said Erik Trilk, a high school teacher who is enjoying his first year as a summer school instructor.

Another teacher, Dawn Carnahan, said she really likes the small groups. Carnahan has taught during the summer school session all four years and she “really enjoys helping the kids.”

The program is a great way to help the students remember what they learned during the summer months.

“It’s amazing what the students can forget during the summer,” said Johnson.

Johnson, Trilk and Carnahan are among seven teachers that are part of the summer school this year.
Other teachers include Kathy Meisgeier, Cindy Mitchell, Melanie Schultz and Marc Snavely.

The students also see multiple volunteers, including high school students, during the 12-day program that started July 17 and ends Aug. 3.

Pizza Ranch, Delhi One and A to Z Snacks donated perfect attendance and reading incentives.

Students participating in the reading program go through 25-minute blocks of in-depth reading, story listening and identifying difficult words. They also use a computer program to help with reading readiness, initial reading and other areas.

Students participating in the math program are separated into grade levels and enjoy games like math bingo and computer programs.

“The program helps students brush up on their skills and with Iowa Tests of Basic Skills starting in October it’s nice,” said Johnson. “It’s a great program.”

Homemade bread, homemade soup, fresh picked vegetables, honey and sweet corn so fresh ‘the ears still wiggle’ – that’s just some of the items a person could find at the Manchester Farmer’s Market.

“This is the only place I come,” said Jerry Wolfe, a vendor at the market. “There are a lot of other places I could go but I like the local people.”

And local is what ties the market vendors to their customers. Everything that they sell is locally grown or made.

“We encourage everyone to sell locally grown or made items,” said Jan Conrad from Manchester. She’s been involved with the market for around 12 years. “I like the people you meet down there. You make a lot of good friends.”

All the vendors agree and several say they like the routine.
“You see the same people every week,” said Deb Manson from Manchester. Manson has sold Hostas for the last three years. “I can sell and buy. It’s convenient for me.”

Most of the vendors sell fresh picked vegetables and, according to Conrad and Ann Reinert, people will see different things depending on what time of year they come.