Though it’s hard to believe, the lifespan of the 2015-16 Saturday Six is running short!  After this week, there will be just three editions before we go on summer vacation.  Be on the lookout for  the big Saturday Six finale on May 21, coming to you straight from Dobyns-Bennett graduation!

Even though there are still three weeks of school left, it’s not too soon to start thinking about summer!  Did you know there are a wide variety of camps and experiences to keep students involved once school lets out?  Here are six things to have on your radar as you start making summer plans.

1.  KCS will host three hands-on, highly engaging STREAM camps this summer (click on the individual links for info and registration).  Rising 2nd – 6th graders can take part in Summer STREAM Camp the weeks of June 13-17 and June 20-24, hosted at Sevier Middle School.  Rising 7th – 9th graders will have an X-STREAM Summer Program at D-B those same weeks.  And rising 10th – 12th graders can take part in an X-STREAM  Summer Design Program from June 13-17.  That’s some serious high-tech learning!
2. Need to burn some energy and hone those athletic skills over the summer?  D-B will be hosting a wide variety of sports camps over the summer, focusing on everything from basketball, baseball, football, soccer, softball, swimming, track, and volleyball.  There’s something for everyone!  Click here to view the full slate of athletic camps being offered.
3. Do you have a student starting middle school in the fall?  The innovative KCS Jump Start programs will help introduce new 6th graders to all things middle school, including how to navigate a new school building, understanding the academic expectations and schedules, and even learning how to unlock a locker!  John Sevier Middle School will hold Jump Start programs on June 1-3 and June 6-8, and Ross N. Robinson Middle School will hold Jump Start on May 31-June 2 and June 7-9.  Contact your child’s school for more information.
4. Need assistance with meals this summer?  KCS offers a “Free Meals for Kids” summer program from May 23 – July 21.  From 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. each weekday, any child under the age of 18 can come to Sevier Middle School to receive a lunch, free of charge.  For additional information, you may contact Mrs. Andria Ball at 378-2113.
5. There are many summer reading programs throughout the community to help students keep their literacy skills sharp.  Two such examples are the Kingsport Public Library, which hosts a variety of reading activities for children of all ages throughout the summer.  The United Way of Greater Kingsport’s groundbreaking “United We Read” initiative will hold a Summer Book Club Kick-off at the Riverview Splashpad on June 7th at 9 a.m.  Click here for more information and to register!
6. Looking for an all-inclusive list of programs and activities for the summer?  Just click here to view the full listing of both KCS and community camps, activities, and programs that are available.  This list will be updated as new opportunities develop, so check back often!

As we wrap up this week, we would be remiss if we didn’t acknowledge all those fantastic individuals that keep our district humming along so smoothly… Wednesday was Administrative Professionals Day, a time to recognize how special our employees are as they support the students, families, and staff of KCS.  In schools, the KCS Administrative Support Center, and other locations across Kingsport, THANK YOU TO OUR FANTASTIC ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS!  You give so much of yourselves to make KCS great!!