Summer is Here!
You’ve made it through the School year, and it’s time to rest and recharge. We want you to enjoy your Summer, but it’s also essential to keep up all the good habits and skills you have built over the school year that has led to success in your online courses here at CalPac. Keeping your mind and body engaged during the summer months will ensure that you will be ready to go once Fall comes. Explore some tips to help you avoid “Summer Melt” and ensure you are relaxed and prepared for classes this fall.
Don't Neglect Your Emails
It’s easy to get into the summer groove and forget to check your email or even feel like you don’t have to check it. You may think your inbox will go quiet over the summer, but this is not true! While you won’t be getting the same amount of emails you were getting during the school year, there are plenty of important updates that CalPac will be sending your way during summer break.
Neglecting your email may cause you to miss out on necessary information. Things like general school updates, information about enrollment and the start of the Fall 2023 semester, 23/24 field trip offerings, and introductions to your teachers are all emails you can expect to hit your inbox over the summer months!
Our tip is to check your school email weekly during the summer months. This will keep you adequately updated on any crucial information CalPac is delivering during the break. As we grow closer to the Fall, it is best practice to check at least three times a week so that you don’t miss out on all the information you will need going into the beginning of the school year.
Making it a practice to monitor your email closely will be a valuable skill to hone. Not only is it a part of ensuring your success while enrolled at CalPac, but it is also a skill you can use going forward in both the academic world and the workforce.
You can also check the CalPac Updates and Information page periodically to stay up to date (if you received a 23/24 Calendar Magnet, you can simply scan the QR code found at the bottom to be taken directly to this page!)
Start A New Hobby Or Develop One You Already Have
Spending time doing things you love and bring you joy is important. This can be as simple as getting outside and going for a walk or something more challenging, like learning to master a new instrument. What better time to explore your talents than the summer! While it’s a great way to have fun, it’s also a great way to keep your mind engaged during your break from school.
Start by asking yourself a fundamental question – What do you love to do? Is it making art, playing music, cooking, or playing sports? Find something you are passionate about and think of ways to actively pursue those passions. Another important question to ask is, what do you have access to? Are there any local activities you are able to participate in that involve the things you are interested in?
Consider reaching out to local community centers, art studios, or music schools to inquire about classes or workshops that align with your interests. If you prefer a more independent approach, you can explore online resources and tutorials that provide step-by-step instructions or join virtual communities of like-minded individuals who share your passion.
Engaging in activities you love not only brings you joy but also provides an opportunity for personal growth and development. By actively pursuing your passions, you can spend your summer break in a fulfilling and enriching way, expanding your horizons and discovering new aspects of yourself along the way!
Check Something Off Your Bucket List
Embarking on the journey to check something off your bucket list can be an exhilarating and rewarding experience. Start by identifying the specific item or goal you’ve been putting off and create a plan with a realistic timeline to achieve it. Break it down into smaller, manageable steps that you can tackle one by one. Whether it’s traveling to a dream destination, learning a new skill, or conquering a personal challenge, don’t hesitate to go for it!
Believe in yourself and your abilities. With determination, perseverance, and a positive mindset, you can turn your aspirations into achievements. Embrace the excitement and remember that this is your opportunity to make your dreams a reality. So, take that leap, seize the moment, and make it happen!
Try Volunteering
Volunteering is not only a great way to give back to your community but also an opportunity to explore your interests and passions. It’s not only personally fulfilling but can also enhance your college applications. Admissions officers value the dedication and commitment shown through consistent volunteer work.
Make sure to document your volunteer experiences, responsibilities, and the impact you made in your community. It’s a testament to your character and demonstrates your willingness to make a positive contribution. Here are just a few ideas for volunteering over the summer:
Animal Shelters
Many animal shelters in California have volunteer programs specifically designed for young individuals. These programs often involve tasks such as walking dogs, socializing with cats, cleaning animal enclosures, and assisting with adoption events.
Local Parks and Beach Cleanup
Joining park or beach cleanup initiatives is a great way to contribute to the environment while volunteering. Organizations like California State Parks and local environmental groups often organize cleanup events where individuals of all ages can participate. These activities typically involve picking up litter, maintaining trails, and preserving natural habitats.
Community Gardens
Many cities in California have community gardens that rely on volunteers to maintain and care for the garden spaces. You can assist with planting, weeding, watering, and harvesting produce. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn about sustainable agriculture while giving back to the community.
Food Banks and Homeless Shelters
Food banks and homeless shelters often have volunteer opportunities suitable for young individuals. Tasks may include sorting and organizing donated food, preparing meals, or serving food to those in need.
Youth Mentoring Programs
Engaging in youth mentoring programs allows you to make a positive impact on the lives of younger individuals. Organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America have branches in California that offer mentorship programs for teenagers. Through these programs, you can provide guidance, support, and companionship to children in need.
Remember to check the specific age requirements and guidelines of each organization before applying to volunteer. Some programs may have age restrictions or require parental consent. It’s important to find opportunities that align with your interests and availability while ensuring a safe and rewarding experience for underage volunteers.
When deciding on a volunteering opportunity, consider your own passions and interests. By aligning your volunteer work with what you truly care about, you can make a more meaningful impact while also gaining valuable experience and personal growth. So, explore the various volunteer options available and make a difference in your community today!
Engage Your Brain
Engaging in math and word puzzles is not only enjoyable but also a fantastic way to keep your brain busy when you are out of school. Games like Wordle, Crossword Puzzles, Sudoku, and number puzzles provide an entertaining way to keep your English and math abilities sharp.
Wordle challenges your vocabulary and deductive reasoning, while crossword puzzles enhance your language skills and problem-solving abilities.
Sudoku and number puzzles strengthen your logical thinking, critical reasoning, and numerical comprehension.
These puzzles can be found in books, newspapers, or online platforms that offer a variety of difficulty levels, making them suitable for all grade levels.
By incorporating math and word puzzles into your summer routine, you can have fun, relax, and maintain your academic proficiency in an engaging way.
Read For Pleasure
Stray from the assigned reading list and find a book that really interests you over the summer months! Try finding a genre or type of book (fiction, non-fiction, adventure, graphic novel, etc.) that interests you.
Studies have shown reading for pleasure is an effective way to manage stress and improve concentration and memory function. Your local library is a great resource to take advantage of.
CalPac students also have access to to our virtual SORA library all summer long using their CalPac emails. And don’t forget you can link your local library to your SORA account for even more book options!
Deciding What To Do!
The summer is your oyster! With so many options on the table, ask yourself the following questions to narrow down what you will plan on choosing from:
- What do you enjoy doing the most?
- How busy do you want to be?
- Can any of these activities help you obtain your short or long-term goals?
- Do I need any supplies, transportation, or funding to participate in this activity?
Answering these questions will help you paint a clear picture of how you plan on spending your time in the summer months and can even help you pick up a hobby that will last a lifetime!
Have a great summer break CalPac, we can’t wait to welcome you back in the Fall.
The post Staying Plugged in Over the Summer Months appeared first on California Pacific Charter Schools.
This post first appeared on Online School Grades 6-12 In California | CalPac, please read the originial post: here
