Nontraditional setting to allow kids to get out more

BLACKFOOT — Blackfoot School District is planning to open a new middle school this fall, aimed at teaching kids lessons through real-world applications while pushing them to their academic limits.

A large crowd turned out for an informational meeting on Tuesday regarding the planned

Summit Middle School, which will be located in the upper level of the district’s office building. The school will accommodate 90 students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades.

“It’s a unique opportunity to keep kids interested in school and happy to be here every single day,” said Brandee Hewatt, who will serve as the middle school’s principal.

Hewatt told parents and students who attended Tuesday’s meeting that the school will help kids prepare for high school and future careers, but it won’t be in a traditional classroom setting.

Rather than sitting at desks all day, the students will participate in a variety of activities indoors, outside and around town as they learn the skills taught in others schools, but through real-world applications, Hewatt said.

The school will focus on project-based learning, so all of the students’ studies will revolve around themes. For instance, they could study a unit on fishing that would require them to use math to measure the lengths of different fish, science to study the best environments for certain types of fish, and English to write reports on fish, Hewatt said.

The lessons will be hands-on and should make school more enjoyable for those who don’t like a traditional setting; however, the school will also have high expectations and will push kids to do their best, Hewatt said.

The school will take place four days a week, although classes will be held on one Friday of each month. In addition the kids will have to wear uniforms.

Fort Hall resident Elda Hevewah said she attended Tuesday’s meeting so that she and her daughter, 11-year-old Nicole, can decide if the school would be a good option for her.

“I wanted to see what it’s about,” Hevewah said, adding that she was interested in some aspects of the curriculum, like the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) activities.

Hewatt said those interested in attending the school will have to fill out an application, which is available at the district office and local elementary and middle schools. The students will also have to give a short presentation on why they want to go to the school.

“Some kids will be accepted; some we interview will not,” Hewatt said, adding that they are looking for students and parents who will be committed to the program.

For more information about Summit Middle School, call 785-8844.