KPS students can earn free Michigan’s Adventure trip through Saturday School
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Kalamazoo Public Schools launched a new program this trimester to challenge certain students struggling with reading and math. If they succeed, they will be rewarded with a free trip to an amusement park.
A “Saturday School” program may be new to KPS, but not for superintendent Dr. Darrin Slade. He brought the idea from his prior teaching, principal and administration days — most recently at a St. Louis area school district, where he, staff and students enjoyed a trip to Six Flags.
“We make a big deal about it. We buy all of the students the same shirt. We treat them to lunch once they’re in the park,” he explained. “We make it so exciting that they go home and tell their friends, ‘Guess what we did today … we had fun and I can’t wait until next time Saturday School is up so I can sign up.'”
For Kalamazoo Public Schools, the destination is Michigan’s Adventure, but that’s not the only incentive.
“We provide pizza, McDonald’s, Burger King, Chick-Fil-A … that helps to draw the students and also because what child doesn’t like that?” Slade said. “I know it’s not the most healthy lunch, but it brings students in.”
Breakfast is also provided by the district, given the 9 a.m. to noon schedule each Saturday.
The program, which is optional, is currently tailored for third through fifth graders across six schools struggling in reading and math. For them to earn the ultimate prize, they have to miss two or less of the nine Saturdays.
“Most of our students are doing well. But we do have schools where we do have a significant number of students who need additional support, especially in reading and math, because they’re not on grade level right now.”
The first Saturday of classes back on Feb. 24 had 132 students, which Slade said is a good turnout but still less than expected.
“We have a lot of competing activities on Saturday: basketball, different sports, soccer. Since it is new, we knew we may not have 350 (students),” he said. “But what we’re going to do is go out and give out some more applications and, hopefully, the minimum number for me is at least 200.”
Slade believes educators looking to improve student performance should have a perspective, considering the incentives.
“As a principal, I think, ‘If I was 15 or 16, what would make me excited about school?'” he explained. “If I’m an elementary school principal or teacher, ‘What would make me as an 8-year-old excited about school?’ So you have to put things in place that excites students to get them motivated and encouraged to come.”
According to Slade, the district plans to expand the program into the 2024-2025 school year. They will consider starting it during the fall, including grades six through eight, and opening it to all students within that grade range regardless of their academic performance.
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