HENDERSON CO, KY (WFIE) -
In Henderson this summer, some South Heights Elementary students are sharpening their academic skills and having fun at the same time.
Henderson County Schools says 'Blazer University' is made possible through a five year grant, they're now in year three.
South Heights students like Daymian Dixon and Isaiah Easley tell us they know the importance of learning all year long.
"It's helpful to learn in the summer so we won't forget what we learned this year when we go to next year," Easley told 14 News.
HCS says around 65 students are taking part in Blazer University this summer, a program where third through fifth graders stay active with outdoor activities and learn specialized skills like art, karate, even crime scene investigating.
"They're learning how to look at fingerprints under a microscope. They're taking shoe treads. They're picking up the evidence to look at and solve a mystery," said Director of the 21st Century Community Learning Center Beth Satterfield.
Satterfield tells us, in addition to physical activity, field trips and numerous specialized classes to choose from, students also get 45 minutes of academics each day. helping them ease into the next grade level.
Satterfield says the program also offers transportation to and from South Heights and free breakfast and lunch at no cost to students.
"Everybody thinks it's summer school. It's not summer school. It's a summer program that we are here to have fun, give the kids something to do in the summer," Satterfield explained.
"It will get you to college and have a successful life," Dixon told us.
HCS says Blazer University runs through June 28th and starts up again in the fall.
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