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Summer Learning: Current 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th Grade Students

Middle School Summer Learning— Career Exploration Camp!

Schedule
  • Monday-Thursday, June 24 - July 18, 2024
    • No school on Fridays
    • No school Thursday, July 4, 2024

  • Learning hours from 8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

  • Location: George Washington Middle School
    • 1005 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Point of Contact:

We are very excited to continue using a fun and inventive program this year for summer learning. Current students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8 will have a theme this year of Career Exploration Camp using hands-on, project-based Engineering is Everywhere modules. English Language support will be provided within the program.

Current 5th and 6th grade students will be immersed in the following career-oriented projects: 

  • ENERGY CLUSTER- Here Comes the Sun: Engineering Insulated Homes

    In this unit, students use their green engineering skills to insulate a model home. 

  • HEALTH SCIENCE CLUSTER: Outbreak Alert: Engineering a Pandemic Response

    Youth will become biomedical engineers as they explore how to prepare for outbreaks of highly contagious diseases. They will use the Engineering Design Process to design an antiviral to stop a newly discovered virus from infecting a model cell.

  • ARCHITECTURE and CONSTRUCTION CLUSTER: Shake Things Up: Engineering Earthquake Resistant Buildings

    In this unit, students will engineer model buildings that are earthquake resistant. They’ll also develop building codes that help others build earthquake-resistant structures.

  • STEM CLUSTER: The Sky’s the Limit: Engineering Flying Technologies

    In this unit, students dive into aeronautical engineering by designing models of flying technologies that help NASA collect aerial photographs. Students will learn that scientists and engineers often study harsh environments here on Earth (like the largest desert in the world, the Empty Quarter) to understand the environments they might encounter in space.

  • INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY: Light Up the Night: Engineering Electrical Circuits

    This unit guides students through engineering activities as they explore circuits and sculpting materials. Students then use their creativity and knowledge of electrical engineering to design a light display that replicates the colors and patterns of the Northern Lights.

  • MANUFACTURING CLUSTER: Plants to Plastics:  Engineering BioPlastics

    In this unit, students will gain an understanding of how the world is filling up with plastics that aren’t biodegradable. Students learn about bioplastics, a possible solution to the plastic problem. They then use each step of the Engineering Design Process as they become chemical engineers and design their own bioplastics.

  • TRANSPORTATION, DISTRIBUTION, & LOGISTICS CLUSTER: It's About Time: Engineering Timers

    Students participating in this unit will become mechanical engineers by using the Engineering Design Process to engineer timers. They will learn that time is always marching forward, but it can be difficult or impossible to keep track of it without engineered technologies such as clocks and timers. 

Current 7th and 8th grade students will continue their exploration in the following hands-on career cluster activities:

  • MARKETING CLUSTER: It's in the Bag: Engineering Bio-inspired Gear

    Youth will look at examples of camouflage, protection, and bioluminescence in nature to engineer bio-inspired bags or packs for a client. They become materials engineers as they explore the properties of materials and use the Engineering Design Process to create a marketing campaign to meet their client’s unique criteria and constraints.

  • EDUCATION and TRAINING CLUSTER: Put a Lid on It: Engineering Safety  Helmets

    When people bike, board, or play ball, they wear a helmet to keep them safe. But how do helmets work? Students participating in this unit learn how different types of helmets are constructed and how they protect the brain. They then use each step of the Engineering Design Process as they become biomechanical engineers and design their own helmet to crash test. Students will create an education and training program for potential customers.

  •  ARTS and VIDEO COMMUNICATION: Engineering a Video Production

    In this unit, students will take the concepts learned in "It's in the Bag: Engineering Bio-inspired Gear and Put a Lid on It: Engineering Safety Helmets" activities and create a short video to communicate the marketing, education, and training associated with sports equipment usage.

  • LAW & PUBLIC SAFETY: Career Exploration

  • Students will be introduced to guest speakers from the Alexandria City Police, Fire, and Rescue departments. This experience will allow students to learn about the various jobs and gain an understanding of the education needed to pursue a career in Law and Public Safety.  Additionally, students will be able to see emergency vehicles and the demonstrations of equipment associated with this important career field.

Summer Instrumental Music Camp

Schedule
  • Monday-Thursday, July 8-18, 2024
    • 2 weeks total
    • No camp on Fridays
  • Learning Hours: 9:30 am to 2:30 pm
  • Location: Alexandria City High School (King Street campus)
    • 3330 King St. Alexandria, VA 22302

Eligible Students: CURRENT 4th, 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th graders

Point of Contact:

This program is for current fourth-eighth (rising fifth-ninth) grade students who participate in instrumental music during the school year. It will be offered July 8-18, 2024, Monday-Thursday. Students will meet each day at Alexandria City High School for level-appropriate instrumental music instruction. Camp will conclude with a final performance on Thursday, July 18. 

Students who rent a school-provided instrument will coordinate with their current music teacher to keep their instrument over the summer.
It is strongly encouraged students register for both weeks.

Summer Theatre Camp

Schedule
  • Monday-Thursday, July 1-July 18, 2024
    • 3 weeks total
    • No camp on Thursday, July 4
    • No camp on Fridays
  • Learning Hours: 8:45 am - 1:00 pm
  • Location: George Washington Middle School
    • 1005 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

Eligible Students: CURRENT 6th, 7th, or 8th graders

Point of Contact:

This program is for current sixth-eighth grade students (rising seventh-ninth) and is offered July 1-July 18, 2024, Monday-Thursday (no camp Thursday, July 4). Students will meet each day at George Washington Middle School. Students will have the opportunity to learn about stage-acting and movement, as well as some technical theater elements such as set design and build, lighting, sound, costumes, and make-up. Students will work collaboratively to rehearse, prepare, and perform on the George Washington Middle School stage.  Students must register for all 3 weeks.

Dual Language Summer Bridge

Schedule
  • Monday-Thursday, July 8 - July 18, 2024
    • No school on Fridays 
    • Learning hours from 8:45 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. 
  • Location: George Washington Middle School
    • 1005 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Point of Contact:

The Dual Language Summer Bridge is a two-week enrichment program for current 5th grade students who will be enrolled in the Dual Language Program in 6th grade at George Washington Middle School or Francis C. Hammond Middle School. The Summer Bridge is delivered completely in Spanish, with the goal of “bridging” students’ Spanish language and literacy skills over the summer as they prepare to enter our middle school Dual Language Program. Program capacity will be dependent upon staffing availability.

Governor's Health Sciences Summer Bridge

Schedule
  • June 24 - June 27th (in-person)
  • July 1st - 18th (online office hours)
  • Learning Hours: 9:30-2:30 (for the in-person portion)
  • Location: Alexandria City High School (King Street Campus)
    • 3330 King St. Alexandria, VA 22302 - B Side 1st Floor

Eligible Students: Accepted rising 9th and 10th grade students

Points of Contact:


The Summer Bridge program is a transitional program for 9th and 10th grade students already accepted into the Governor’s Health Sciences at Alexandria City High School and who will be starting the program in fall 2024.

The program is designed to create a foundation that enables the students to be successful taking college-level courses. During this program, students will apply to The George Washington University, create their online university accounts and begin using Blackboard. Students also receive instruction related to college research, writing, and APA format. Guest speakers from each of the six program pathways also share insight regarding health-related careers and hands-on activities or simulations. 

Advanced Placement (AP) Boot Camp (Canvas)

The ACPS boot camp is designed for first-time AP students. The boot camp coursework helps students focus on the skills necessary to successfully complete a year in any Advanced Placement course. This goal is achieved through experiences designed to encourage teamwork, communication, organization, critical reading and writing as well as problem-solving.  

Students may self-enroll using this registration form. Confirmation of enrollment will be sent to students by May 31. The availability of this course is pending the availability of staffing.

24/7 Online Tutoring

A free, 24/7 tutoring service is available to all ACPS students in grades 6-12. Every session is one-on-one and individualized to the subject matter.

Accessing online tutor support for students:

  • Sign in to Canvas
  • Select the “Student Resources” tile on the student dashboard
  • Choose the subject
  • Connect with a tutor (less than 60 second wait time)